Rising fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East are forcing many fishermen in Mozambique's capital to keep their boats anchored, threatening livelihoods and driving up the cost of living in one of the world's poorest countries.
Along the shores of Maputo's Pescadores fishing community, dozens of small wooden boats remain idle as fishermen struggle to afford fuel following a government price hike announced in early May. The increase was attributed to disruptions in global fuel markets caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The impact is being felt across the fishing sector, where thousands of families depend on daily catches for survival.
Carlos Silvestre Nguenha, Vice President of the Community Council of Fishermen in Maputo's fishermen village, said the crisis demonstrates how global conflicts can have far-reaching consequences.
"We appeal to the countries that are in conflict, because these conflicts don't only affect those countries, they affect the whole world, because this precious liquid doesn't just help Iran, it doesn't just help the United States of America, it helps the whole world. So we appeal to them to sit down and talk so that we can overcome this confusion that is happening because it affects the world in general."
