The fish prices at Umm Slal Fish market have seen nominal increase, especially for some popular varieties such as Hamour and Kingfish due to limited supply, mostly attributed to the hot weather conditions.
Speaking to local Arabic daily Arrayah, a number of shoppers, salesmen and supervisors at the market stressed that even though the quantities are limited they are sufficient to meet the demand.
The recently reported prices include QR60 for a kilo of Safi fish, QR40 for Hamour, QR30 Kingfish, QR13 Sheri, QR19 Koffer, QR10 Fisker, QR15 Sultan Ibrahim, QR30 for Turkish Seabass, and QR30 for Omani Shrimp among other local and imported varieties on display at the market.
Fahd al-Showati, a resident of Umm Slal Area, said that the prices of some types of fish has shot up considerably, especially Hamour, which he used to buy for QR28-30 per kg. He explained that the catch during the summer months is often less as the fish goes deeper into the sea as the weather becomes hotter.
"A limited number of fishing vessels have the capabilities of going deep into the sea, thereby lowering the quantity that reaches the market," he said.
Youssef al-Issa, a shopper from Al Ahsa Area of Saudi Arabia, stressed that Umm Slal Fish market is considered one of the best in its category with modern equipment and air-conditioned facilities. He prefers to buy fish from Doha due to their good quality and reasonable prices. During this trip, he bought 30kg of four different types of fish - Kingfish, Hamour, Sheri and Breams.
Mohamed Nabil, a fish seller, noted that the quantity of fish on display at the market currently are considered average, and the same applies for prices.
Mohamed Suleiman, an auctioneer at the market, said that the quantity of Kingfish at the market is less than the previous period due to the ban on catching them with fishing nets. The supply reaching the market is fresher as they are caught only by line and reel in small quantities. He expected that the prices of Kingfish will go up by almost 20% over the coming few days, the daily added.
