Alaska fishermen uneasy over high fuel costs, as war-driven price surge hits water workers hard

Alaska’s commercial fishermen face elevated fuel costs as global tensions push prices higher. Kodiak’s 42-foot seiner Agnes Sabine is prepped for salmon season, while owner-operator Darren Platt notes fuel is rising sharply and could nearly double from last year. Diesel reached about $6.70 per gallon on May 20, up more than 80% from $3.75, making a full tank potentially near $10,000. The state’s salmon fishery was valued at roughly $540 million last year, and fuel costs are a decisive factor in this year’s outlook for fishermen and related services, including transport operators who are now considering surcharges.