2026/07/21 13:45

Fish prices in the Eastern Province markets are witnessing a noticeable variance, affected by weather conditions and the focus of fishermen on preparing for the shrimp season. The lack of marine supply and the suspension of Gulf imports have pushed consumers toward aquaculture options as a stable alternative.

Sellers and shoppers at the Dammam Central Market attributed this variance to fewer fishing trips and the fact that most fishermen are occupied with outfitting their boats for the start of the shrimp season at the beginning of next August. These factors, along with the halt in arrivals of supplies from several Gulf countries, have contributed to rising prices for some marine varieties and a decline in their quantities.

Weather Conditions

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Fishmonger Ayman Mohammed explained that marine fish prices are witnessing a noticeable increase during the current period due to limited supply and the impact of weather conditions on fishing operations, noting that some types that were sold for around 30 riyals have seen their price rise to about 50 riyals.

Ayman Mohammed

He added that the prices of highly demanded marine species, such as Sheri, Anaq, and Kala, have also risen; the price of Kala reaches about 75 riyals, and Anaq about 60 riyals for medium-sized ones weighing between half a kilo and 600 grams, which are the most in demand by restaurants and consumers. He pointed out that the market currently relies more on farmed fish, such as seabream, sea bass, and live tilapia, given the lower quantities of marine fish. He noted that the suspension of imports from some neighboring countries, such as Oman and the UAE, has also contributed to the price increases.

He expressed his hope that the start of the shrimp season in early August would contribute to increasing supply, improving market activity, and lowering fish prices, benefiting both sellers and consumers. He stressed that lower prices encourage customers to buy larger quantities, while high prices lead them to limit their purchases. Saqr Al-Yafie, a visitor to the fish market, said that current fish prices are reasonable and within a moderate range, noting that they are neither significantly low nor high compared to previous periods.

Saqr Al-Yafie

He added that the prices of several varieties, such as kingfish, grouper, and shrimp, are good for consumers, noting a slight decrease in prices compared to last week, which has helped improve purchasing activity within the market. Abdullah Abbas, a seller at the fish market, said that the current scarcity of fish is due to the approaching start of the shrimp season, explaining that most fishermen are preparing for the season, while sea fishing trips are experiencing a noticeable decline, which is reflected in the high prices of some varieties.

Declining Fish Quantities

He pointed out that the shrimp season will begin in the coming days, noting that the current period involves preparation and maintenance work for fishing boats in anticipation of the season, which has led to a decline in the quantities of fish offered in the market. He added that the prices of some types vary depending on the quantities available; the price of Safi is about 45 to 50 riyals, Arabian Hammam about 60 riyals, seabream 40 riyals, sea bass 33 riyals, kingfish about 70 riyals, Sheri between 55 and 60 riyals, Beskar 40 riyals, and Subeiti 55 riyals, while the price of grouper reaches about 85 riyals due to limited supply.

He explained that the prices of some varieties have begun to decline slightly compared to last week with the improvement in weather conditions, confirming that the wind directly affects fishing activity and the quantities of fish arriving at the market. He also noted that the summer holiday contributed to a decrease in demand for shopping as many families travel, expecting activity to return to the market as the start of the school year approaches. Omar Salem, a fish market visitor, said that current prices are generally suitable, expressing his satisfaction with the quality of fish offered in the market.

He added that he bought a type of local fish and expressed his admiration for its quality, noting that prices are good and acceptable for consumers, despite the impact of rising prices on the purchasing power of some shoppers. He emphasized that the market still provides a variety of options that are suitable.

Mohammed Zakaria Metwally

Mohammed Zakaria Metwally, a seller at the fish market, said that the Dammam Central Market is witnessing an abundance of many varieties, confirming the availability of different types of fish, such as mullet, Sheri, seabream, and salmon, in addition to farmed shrimp. He explained that marine shrimp are expected to be available at the beginning of next month, coinciding with the start of their season, while markets currently rely on farm-raised shrimp.

He added that the price of a kilo of shrimp is about 35 riyals, with the possibility of cleaning it for a small fee, while a kilo of salmon is sold for about 58 riyals, which is lower than the prices in some other markets, while the price of a kilo of seabream is about 38 riyals. He confirmed that the prices are reasonable and the market provides a variety of options that meet the needs of consumers.

Mohammed Saleh Al-Zahrani

Mohammed Saleh Al-Zahrani, a visitor to the fish market, said that current prices seem reasonable for consumers, attributing their variance to factors related to the fishing season and the scarcity of some varieties. He added that he prefers to buy varieties he is familiar with, such as Sheri, Subeiti, and sea bass, confirming that their prices are reasonable at the present time, while noting that market activity seemed slower than usual, with a decline in the number of shoppers during this period. Mohanna Al-Dossari, a visitor to the fish market, said that fish prices vary according to the type and freshness of the product, in addition to being affected by

Mohanna Al-Dossari

weather conditions that affect fishing quantities and supply in the market, as well as the sale prices at the auction; if the purchase price is high, it will be reflected in the market price. He explained that he is always keen to buy fresh fish caught on the same day, even if it is more expensive, because of its superior quality and distinct taste, noting that fish that has been displayed for two or three days is of lower quality and cannot compare to fresh fish.

He added that the prices of fresh fish are relatively high, but they reflect the quality of the product and the costs of obtaining it, noting that prices in general are still moderate when compared to some other countries, and remain within acceptable limits for consumers.