(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Adverse climatic conditions, lack of supply from neighbouring countries and a sudden surge in demand, have all contributed to a steep increase in fish prices in the local market.
According to the fishermen, prices have increased almost 300% and a respite from the prices, is not in sight.
Prices of all varieties of fish have gone up considerably. Sheri, a popular fish, is mostly available only in small sizes. While the small sheri is being sold at QR12, the bigger ones are priced at QR18 or more.
Kingfish is becoming dearer and is presently priced at QR 45- 50. Mackerel has vanished from the market while sardines are priced at QR7. Other common fish like rabeeb, subadi or jesh are all selling at around QR 25 or more.
Several retail sellers at the Central Fish Market said that excessive heat is a major reason for the present situation. One of them said: "The excessive heat, this year, has resulted in low catch and fishermen are not keen to venture into the sea as they feel the heat is unbearable. Therefore the catch has been reduced significantly".
Another one said that supply from the neighbouring countries, such as Saudi Arabia or Oman, has been considerably reduced or even stopped in case of certain fish such as mackerel. "We do not get mackerel from any of these countries and it has been out of stock for more than a week now. Sardine has also become very expensive because of poor supply."
The fishermen also said that demand for fish has gone up considerable as people who had been out of the country on vacation, have returned.
"Last month, we were able to meet the demand as many people were out of the country. With people having returned, the demand for fish has gone up. Now with the present level of catch, we are able to satisfy only about 70% of the total demand for fish.This is another reason for the huge increase in prices," pointed out another fisherman.
Fishermen feel that prices will continue to remain high for some more time. The ban on catching kingfish will be in force until October and a fall in fish prices may happen from then.
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