A prolonged strike by owners of fishing trawlers in the state of Goa is likely to result in a severe shortage of fish in the state.

The owners of fishing vessels are protesting recent decision by the central government to allow oil firms to increase diesel prices in the country. The strike has now entered its third day and there are no signs of a resolution of the issue soon. The government recently allowed oil firms to raise diesel prices gradually and bring the rates closer to the market rates in the international markets.

The central government has hinted that it will allow state-run oil marketing companies to revise diesel rates in order to lessen losses and reduce the burden of subsidies on the government. The government is set to allow a hike of 40-50 paise a litre every month.

More than 1,200 trawlers in the state are off the seas since Saturday. Goa Fishermen's Federation president John Mendes pointed out that the fish market will also be closed tomorrow as part of the protest in the state.

"Diesel is an important component for the fishing business. The fishing business is already running on minimal profits. If there is extra expense on diesel, then we will be making losses," Mendes said.

The strike is affecting the economy of Goa as fish is not only the staple food for many people in Goa, but fishing industry is the third largest economic activity in the state after mining and tourism.