DOHA - There was a major shortage of fish in the central market yesterday leading to a another hike in the prices. Many of the popular varieties were either not available or short in supply. The prices, which had slightly come down last week have shot up again after the country experienced a fresh cold spell since last week.
Enquiries with the central fish market yesterday found that the local catch was badly affected by the inclement weather as many fishermen stopped going to the sea. Local supplies form the major portion of fish sold in Qatar. Imports from neighbouring countries like Oman, Saudi Arabia and Iran are limited to a few varieties.
Price of safi, a popular local variety has shot up to QR35 to QR40 per kg while king fish was priced between QR20 and QR25 yesterday. Hamour was available at QR28. Zubaidi and some smaller varieties were not available. Some cheaper varieties like sardine and mackerel are being imported from Oman and Saudi Arabia and their prices mostly remain stable. The Saudi prawn cost QR30 to QR40 while squid imported from Oman was priced QR18.
"We don't see a major fluctuation in the prices of these imported varieties. The local fish remain the most affected," said another trader. The traders said, the prices would remain high in the next few days if at all the weather turns pleasant. "If more fish comes to the market tomorrow there will be more demand and the prices will remain high. We can expect a significant change only by next week and that too depends on the weather," he added.
© The Peninsula 2008
