2026/07/21 13:45

Fish prices in the Eastern Province markets are witnessing a noticeable disparity, influenced by weather conditions and the preoccupation of fishermen with preparations for the shrimp season.

The shortage of marine supply and the halt of Gulf supplies have driven consumers toward aquaculture choices as a stable alternative.

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Sellers and shoppers at the Dammam Central Market attributed this disparity to "Al-Youm" to the scarcity of fishing trips and the dedication of most fishermen to preparing their boats for the launch of the shrimp season at the beginning of next August. These factors, alongside the halt of supplies arriving from a number of Gulf countries, have contributed to raising the prices of some marine categories and reducing their quantities.

Weather Conditions

Fish seller Ayman Mohammed explained that marine fish prices are witnessing a noticeable increase during the current period as a result of scarce supply and the impact of weather conditions on fishing operations, pointing out that some types that used to be sold for about 30 riyals have risen in price to around 50 riyals.

Ayman Mohammed

He added that the prices of the most demanded marine species, such as shari, anaq, and kala', have also risen, with kala' reaching about 75 riyals, and anaq reaching about 60 riyals for medium sizes weighing between half a kilo and 600 grams, which are the most requested by restaurants and consumers. He pointed out that the market currently relies more heavily on farmed fish, such as seabream, aroussa, and live tilapia, in light of the low quantities of marine fish, noting that the halt of supplies from some neighboring countries, such as the Sultanate of Oman and the UAE, has also contributed to the price increase.

He expressed his hope that the launch of the shrimp season at the beginning of August will contribute to increasing supply, improving market movement, and lowering fish prices, which benefits both sellers and consumers. He emphasized that lower prices encourage customers to buy larger quantities, while high prices push them to settle for limited quantities. Saqr Al-Yafi, a visitor to the fish market, said that current fish prices are considered appropriate and within moderate limits, noting that they are neither significantly low nor high compared to previous periods.

Saqr Al-Yafi

He added that the prices of a number of varieties, such as kingfish (kanad), grouper (hamour), and shrimp, are considered good for consumers, pointing out a slight drop in prices compared to last week, which has contributed to improving purchasing activity within the market. Abdullah Abbas, a seller at the fish market, said that the scarcity of fish supply during the current period is due to the approaching launch of the shrimp fishing season, explaining that most fishermen are preparing for the season, while sea fishing trips are witnessing a noticeable decline, which has reflected on the rise in prices of some varieties.

Decline in Fish Quantities

He noted that the shrimp season will begin in the coming days, explaining that the current period is witnessing preparation and maintenance work for fishing boats in preparation for the season's launch, which has led to a decline in the quantities of fish offered in the market. He added that the prices of some types vary according to available quantities, as the price of safi is about 45 to 50 riyals, Arabian hammam about 60 riyals, seabream 40 riyals, aroussa 33 riyals, kingfish about 70 riyals, shari between 55 and 60 riyals, buskar 40 riyals, and sulaity 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 of weather conditions, confirming that winds directly affect fishing movement and the quantities of fish arriving at the market. He also noted that the summer vacation has contributed to a decline in buying turnout as many families travel, expecting activity to return to the market with the approaching start of the school year. Omar Salem, a visitor to the fish market, said that current prices are generally considered appropriate, expressing his satisfaction with the quality of fish offered in the market.

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 (boury), shari, seabream, and salmon, alongside farmed shrimp. He explained that marine shrimp is expected to become available at the beginning of next month coinciding with the launch of its season, while markets currently rely on farm-produced shrimp. He added that the price of a kilo of shrimp is about 35 riyals, with the possibility of cleaning it for a simple fee, while a kilo of salmon is sold for about 58 riyals, which is lower than the prices in some other markets, whereas the price of a kilo of seabream is about 38 riyals, confirming that prices are suitable and that the market provides diverse options meeting consumer needs.

Mohammed Saleh Al-Zahrani

Mohammed Saleh Al-Zahrani, a visitor to the fish market, said that current prices seem reasonable for consumers, attributing their disparity to factors related to the fishing season and the scarcity of supply for certain types. He added that he prefers to buy varieties he knows, such as shari, sulaity, and aroussa, confirming that their prices are appropriate at the present time, while pointing out that market movement appeared less than usual, with a decline in the numbers of shoppers during this period. Mohanna Al-Dosari, a visitor to the fish market, said that fish prices vary depending on the type and freshness of the product, alongside being affected by

Mohanna Al-Dosari

weather conditions that affect fishing quantities and market supply, as well as auction fish sale prices—if their purchase cost 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 higher in price, due to its superior quality and distinct taste, noting that fish displayed for two or three days are of lower quality and do not compare to fresh fish. He added that the prices of fresh fish are relatively high, yet they reflect product quality and the costs of obtaining it, pointing out that prices in general remain moderate when compared to some other countries, staying within acceptable limits for consumers.