Kuwait market sees sudden surges in fish prices

21/09/2025

Kuwait market sees sudden surges in fish prices

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 21: Shift A Supervisor at Sharq Fish Market Hamoud Al-Hamdi disclosed that more than 583.4 tons of fish have been pumped into local markets since the start of the fishing season in territorial waters in early September till date. Al-Hamdi said the average total price of local fish increased slightly by KD1 per item, and by 3.8 percent compared to previous levels. In a statement to the newspaper, Al-Hamdi revealed the fish market is witnessing price fluctuations in some types of fish. He confirmed the increase of prices for some types, such as Grouper, Balool and Sha’um, which in some cases exceeded 30 percent, indicating these price hikes overshadowed the decline in prices of other types like the Sea Bream, Nuwaibi and shrimp

He revealed the total quantity available since the start of the fishing season until now reached 583.4 tons, 257.6 tons of which are local fish and shrimp (44.2 percent), compared to 325.8 tons of imported fish (55.8 percent). He pointed out these figures reflect the abundance of fish supply in the market, which helped stabilize prices and prevent significant price hikes despite the increase in demand at the start of the season.

Regarding the fluctuation of prices, Al-Hamdi explained that fishing is linked to the seasons, as each type has its own season. Currently, the supply of certain types like Grouper, Baloul and Sha’um declined, compared to an abundance of other types like Umm Na’ira, Shahamiya, Sabaity and Nuwaibi. He stated this explains the overall increase in average prices despite the decline in the supply of some types.

He emphasized that the market is subject to close daily monitoring by the Ministry of Commerce and regulatory authorities to ensure balance in supply and demand, and the provision of high-quality local products at fair prices for consumers. Average prices of local fish and shrimp (per basket)

- Grouper: KD20 to KD40

- Balool: KD10 to KD30

- Sha’um: KD15 to KD43

- Nuwaibi: KD15 to KD35

- Sea Bream: KD10 to KD22

- Shrimp (Umm Na’ira): KD40 to KD60

- Shrimp (Shahamiya): KD18 to KD25 Average prices of imported fish and shrimp (per basket)

- Zubaidi: KD35 to KD110

- Hamour: KD15 to KD35

- Baloul: KD5 to KD18

- Sha’um: KD12 to KD30

- Nuwaibi: KD15 to KD25

- Sea Bream: KD8 to KD17

- Shrimp (Umm Na’ira): KD40 to KD65

By Marwa Al-Bahrawi
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff