Fish prices fall as improved weather helps supply in Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah: There has been a 20 to 30 per cent drop in fish prices after supplies increased.

With the weather calmer, more fishermen have been venturing out to sea, improving the supply situation tremendously.

Traders say prices would have been even lower had it not been for a sort of panic buying by expatriates fearing bad weather in the coming days.

Fishermen concurred, saying that during this time of year the weather becomes unpredictable with sudden strong winds and rain.

Traders say expatriates are hoarding for the festive season and New Year celebrations. They said Emiratis, however, prefer fresh fish and do not keep fish in refrigerators.

Salah Madkour, an Egyptian customer at the Ras Al Khaimah Fish Market, said that during times of stable weather, fish of various types are available in the market at lower prices.

He said the price of fish was determined by demand and supply, and customers can negotiate the prices. He said many customers like him buy in advance and keep it refrigerated for their needs.

That way they need not worry about shortages in market, he said.

Mona Abdul Aziz, a customer, blamed traders for the price spike. She added that she has bought an extra refrigerator to store her family's needs of fish, chicken and meat.
 
Fish traders, however, asserted that the prices were totally dependent on supply and demand.

Traders said they expected a sharper drop in prices as supplies were expected to increase further.

"The fish prices are expected to fall as the quantities provided by fishermen have been big enough to meet the needs," Abdul Rahman, an Indian fish trader, said.