Fish prices soar

According to the official figures, 127,090 tonnes of fish were harvested in 2016 as against 124,404 tonnes in the previous year. “Majority of the catch is sent out of the country,” said the official.

“We have taken several steps to overcome scarcity, including instructing suppliers to ensure a major portion of the catch for local consumption and the remainder for exports,” the official said.

On the price issue, she said it could be because of two factors: fuel price hike and lack of sufficient stock in the market. Some vendors said the weather was playing spoilsport, affecting the catch.

“Some fishermen are reluctant to venture out into the sea due to cold weather, especially during mornings and evenings, and lack of availability of certain varieties of fish,” said Nabil, a fisherman.

This, he said, was one of the reasons for the high price and low supply. Nabil also said the Muttrah market was receiving only 12 tonnes of fish from Seeb, Salalah and other places as against 50 tonnes earlier.