Fish Prices Soar in Bahrain as Local Supply Dwindles

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com   

Fish prices in Bahrain's Central Market have continued to rise in recent weeks, driven by a shortage of local fish and an increased reliance on imports.

Fishmongers in the market attribute the price hike to the hot weather, which has made it difficult to catch local fish. They also report a scarcity of larger fish, with most of the available stock being small, imported varieties.

"The prices have gone up for all types of fish, not just the ‘Safi’," said Jaafar Saleh, a fishmonger at the Central Market. "Most of the fish available now is imported from India, Pakistan, and Oman."

He added that the current supply of local fish is limited to small fish, measuring no more than 12 cm in length, caught in the waters off Sitra. "The hot weather has made it difficult to catch larger fish, and we're seeing a lot of small fish being sold for as much as BD 1.50 per piece," he said.

Imported fish from Yemen and Oman are also available, but at a price of BD 3 per kg. Saleh estimates that 70% of the fish currently on sale in the market is imported.

The price of refrigerators, which can hold 40-45 kg of fish, ranges from BD 105 to BD 200 depending on size and quality. Most of these refrigerators are also imported.

"Customers are forced to buy imported ‘Safi’ from Oman and Yemen because of the lack of local supply," said Saleh. "Fish has become very scarce in recent months due to the hot weather and unfavorable conditions."

Another fishmonger, Jameel Al Khanizi, confirmed that the price of large ‘Safi’ has reached BD 6 per kg, while smaller ‘Safi’ is selling for between BD 3 and BD 3.50 per kg. He attributes the price increase to low supply and competition among fishermen.

The high prices have put a strain on consumers, who are increasingly having to choose between cheaper, smaller fish or more expensive imported varieties. The shortage of local fish is also a concern for the local fishing industry, which is struggling to cope with the changing conditions.