Gujarat government has revised Diesel VAT Relief Scheme for Fishermen in 2026 to cover all mechanised fishing boats in the state. The scheme subsidizes the VAT on high-speed diesel used in fishing boats, which helps cut daily fuel costs and improves the income of the fishing community.
On 8 July 2026, the state cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel removed the earlier 20-metre boat length restriction. Now small, medium and large mechanised fishing vessels, including deep-sea boats, can get the benefit. The move is expected to extend the scheme to more than 18,000 registered mechanised fishing boats across Gujarat.
Diesel VAT Relief Scheme for Fishermen - Introduction
Diesel VAT Relief Scheme for Fishermen, run by the Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Cooperation Department, Gujarat, provides financial support to boat owners by subsidizing the VAT levied on high-speed diesel. This makes fuel more affordable for daily fishing work and lowers the operational cost of running a mechanised boat.
Under the revised rules, boat owners must register their vessels on the Real Craft Portal and hold a valid fishing licence. Eligible boats are issued a Diesel Card through which they receive VAT relief of up to ₹15 per litre on diesel purchases. If the applicable VAT is below ₹15 per litre, the relief is limited to the actual VAT charged on diesel.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Diesel VAT Relief Scheme for Fishermen |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | Gujarat |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural & Environment |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Cooperation Department |
Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Diesel VAT Relief Scheme for Fishermen |
| Launched By | Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Cooperation Department, Gujarat |
| Beneficiaries | Owners of mechanised fishing boats in Gujarat |
| Benefit Amount | VAT relief up to ₹15 per litre of diesel |
| Key 2026 Change | 20-metre boat length restriction removed |
| Application Mode | Online registration on Real Craft Portal |
| Official Website | fisheries.gujarat.gov.in |
Benefits
| Component | Standard of Assistance |
|---|---|
| Diesel VAT assistance | Per litre maximum assistance up to ₹15 |
Assistance remains available as per the fixed diesel quota throughout the year. The relief is given through the Diesel Card issued to eligible boat owners, and it directly reduces the cost of every litre of diesel bought from approved pumps.
Eligibility
Eligibility rules were updated in July 2026. The earlier condition that limited the benefit to boats under 20 metres in length has been removed. Now all mechanised fishing boats, including deep-sea vessels, can apply subject to the conditions below.
- The boat must be registered on the Real Craft Portal.
- The owner must hold a valid fishing licence.
- The owner should be a registered diesel cardholder.
Application Process
STEP 1 - Register the fishing vessel on the Real Craft Portal and make sure a valid fishing licence is in place. Boat owners who have not completed this registration should do it at the earliest to get the benefit.
STEP 2 - Obtain a token number from the official portal at fisheries.gujarat.gov.in Registration page by entering personal details.
STEP 3 - Purchase diesel only from government-approved diesel pumps. The system processes the VAT relief automatically through the online tracking method using the Diesel Card.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready for the application:
- Valid Diesel Card issued by the government.
- Boat registration certificate from the Real Craft Portal.
- Valid fishing licence.
- Identification proof such as an Aadhaar Card or Fishermen ID.
- Any other documents required by the department.
References
FAQ's
What is the objective of Diesel VAT Relief Scheme for Fishermen?
Diesel VAT Relief Scheme for Fishermen provides financial support by subsidizing the VAT levied on high-speed diesel used in fishing boats to help reduce operational costs.
Who is eligible to get benefit from this scheme?
Owners of mechanised fishing boats registered on the Real Craft Portal who hold a valid fishing licence are eligible. The earlier 20-metre boat length restriction has been removed, so deep-sea vessels can also apply.
How much financial assistance is provided under this scheme?
Eligible boat owners can receive a maximum VAT subsidy of ₹15 per litre of diesel. If the VAT charged is below ₹15 per litre, the relief is limited to the actual VAT amount.
Is it necessary for fishermen to submit an application to receive the subsidy?
No separate application is needed for the subsidy, as the relief is processed automatically through the official online system once the boat is registered and the Diesel Card is issued.
Where must eligible fishermen purchase diesel to avail of the subsidy?
Diesel must be purchased strictly from government-approved diesel pumps to qualify for the subsidy.
Is there a limit to the amount of diesel a fisherman can purchase under this scheme?
Yes, the government sets a fixed diesel quota per fisherman, which decides the amount of diesel that can be bought at the subsidized rate.
Are fishermen owning boats longer than 20 meters eligible for the scheme?
Yes. The 20-metre restriction was removed by the Gujarat cabinet on 8 July 2026, so all mechanised fishing boats, including deep-sea vessels, are now eligible.
What documents are required to avail of this scheme?
A valid diesel card, boat registration certificate from the Real Craft Portal, a valid fishing licence, and identification proof like an Aadhaar Card or Fishermen ID are required. Authorities may ask for additional documents if needed.