ZAGREB, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The Croatian Chamber of Agriculture warned on Thursday that a shortage of blue diesel fuel is threatening the spring planting season and urged relevant departments to take urgent measures.

According to local media reports, the Chamber said that the current supply situation is extremely worrying, with farmers across the country facing serious problems because blue diesel fuel is simply unavailable at gas stations.

In Croatia, blue diesel fuel is specifically used in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, and is priced lower than standard diesel. Following the U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran, international oil prices surged, and the Croatian government implemented a two-week price control measure on standard gasoline, standard diesel, and blue diesel fuel starting March 10.

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic has recently stated that the government will decide whether to extend the temporary price control measure based on the situation.

The Chamber of Agriculture said that under the current severe weather conditions and extremely tight planting deadlines, the shortage of this critical fuel prevents farmers from carrying out necessary fieldwork, thereby jeopardizing this year's harvest and the stability of overall agricultural production and food supply. ■