Hamoud Al-Hamdi, Shift A Supervisor at Sharq Fish Market, told the newspaper that the Kuwaiti fishing fleet landed 290.4 tons of local shrimp and 96.5 tons of fish in the first three weeks of this month. He pointed out that the resumption of fishing in territorial waters in early September will boost supply and reduce prices for consumers. Al-Hamdi added that imports have played a vital role in stabilizing the market over the past period, totaling 390.4 tons. Various fish accounted for 82.4 percent (321.6 tons), while imported ‘Umm Na’ira’ shrimp reached 68.85 tons or 17.6 percent.

Regarding current prices, he disclosed that the price of a basket of Kuwaiti ‘Umm Na’ira’ shrimp ranged between KD50 and KD60, while a basket of ‘Shahamiya’ shrimp sells for KD20 to KD35. He said a bag of Kuwaiti ‘Zubaidi’ costs KD40 to KD130 and a single ‘Hamour’ (grouper) ranges between KD20 and KD37. He added that prices for other varieties like ‘Baloul’, ‘Sha’oom’, ‘Sabaity’ and ‘Muzaizi’, also vary. He went on to say that for imported products, a basket of ‘Umm Na’ira’ shrimp is priced at KD35 to KD60, between KD30 and KD130 for ‘Zubaidi’, and KD15 to KD42 for ‘Hamour’, while the prices of other varieties remain at relatively lower levels. He pointed out that the increase in local production expected in September will support price stability and maintain market balance, especially with the continuous monitoring of product quality and sales in the local market by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.