Fish prices double in Umm Al Quwain

Umm Al Quwain - The unreasonable hike was blamed on the recent ban enforced on fishing the local Sheri and Safi fish early this March.

The fish markets in Umm Al Quwain have seen a significant soar of up to 50 per cent in fish prices.
The unreasonable hike was blamed on the recent ban enforced on fishing the local Sheri and Safi fish early this March and for two months to help boost the production of these popular types nationwide.
Emirati nationals and residents cry foul over the "unreasonable surge", and urged the bodies concerned to take action against "greedy" traders.
Ahmed Esam, an Egyptian resident, said he was expecting maximum 10 per cent jump in fish price, but "it is almost double the price."
"Four kilogramme of Al Bayah fish now costs Dh120 though it was available only for Dh60."
Echoing the same, Abdullah Saeed, an Emirati national, said a mann or four kilogrammes of Hamour or Grouper fish now costs Dh200. "It was available at Dh100 and even less."
Mohammed Ashraf, an Asian trader, said the sudden rise in fish price is due to the sharp shortage of fish. "The recent ban on the mostly sold Sheri and Safi local fish is the main reason behind the price hike," said Saeed Hussain, an Arab fish trader.
Banning fishing in the northern emirate's creek was also blamed for the price hike, according to Hamza Al Dardur, a Jordanian trader.
"This has sharply affected the amounts of fish available in the markets. A man or 4kg khabat fish is now available against Dh240 against Dh120 before."
The same applies to the Helio fish, which is now sold for Dh240 per 4kg. "It was available for Dh110-Dh120 few weeks ago."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Umm Al Quwain