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Dubai: As the temperature rises so also does the price of fish that has remained high for the past two months.
"The heat has kept many fishermen away from fishing and also because during the summer months fish migrate to cooler areas," said an inspector at the Dubai fish market.
Khalid Zam Qadri, a Pakistani fisherman from the Sharjah fish market, said the high cost of diesel and fishing equipment were also contributing factors.
Fish prices increased by 30 to 70 per cent, depending on the kinds of fish.
Sherri now costs between Dh15 to Dh20 per kg while pomfret is priced between Dh20 to Dh25 per kg.
A Kofar ranges between Dh12 to Dh15. The prices of a Kingfish and a Sultan Ebrahim range from Dh30 to Dh35 and Dh18 to Dh22 respectively. But the same items cost higher at supermarkets.
Consumers expressed satisfaction with the quality of fish.
"I like Kingfish and am happy with the quality of the fish, even though many are not being caught in this weather," said Baiju Nair, an Indian buyer at the Sharjah fish market.
Saeed Shafi Allah, an engineer who visits the fish market every 15 days, said: "I am happy with the variety of fish available in the fish markets and supermarkets. But the problem is the rise in prices. Soon, the summer months will be over and fishermen will be able to catch plenty of fish."
Shahnaz Hamid, a Pakistani consumer, said: "Costumers need to be vigilant because some sellers charge higher than normal prices while others may put up stale fish on sale."
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