KUWAIT CITY, Nov 2, (Agencies): Recently, there has been a notable surge in the demand for both local and imported fish, with a particular emphasis on Kuwaiti shrimp. The availability of fresh local and imported fish has attracted citizens and residents to the market, and prices remain affordable for all consumers.

The Iranian Zubaidi (Pompfret) is being sold for 6 Kuwaiti Dinars, a competitive price compared to 9 Dinars for the Kuwaiti variant. The Kuwaiti Shuaum is available for 3.5 Dinars per kilogram, while shrimp prices have reached 80 Dinars for a basket of jumbo-sized shrimp.

According to market vendors, the fish market in the Eastern region has witnessed increased interest from citizens and residents who seek fresh local and imported fish to adorn their dining tables. Kuwaiti shrimp, in particular, is in high demand due to its increasing availability and larger sizes.

Seller Hamid Muslim stated that the market conditions have been favorable in recent days. Various types of fresh local fish and imported fish from Iran, Pakistan, India, and other regions are readily available. There is a significant supply, and fish enthusiasts are showing great interest these days, which is a reason for gratitude.

He added that the prices are affordable for everyone, with stalls offering various fish types at special prices. For instance, the Iranian Zubaidi is priced at 6 Dinars, a significant saving compared to the 9 Dinars for the Kuwaiti version. Additionally, Kuwaiti Shuaum is available for 3.5 Dinars per kilogram, while Balool (another fish) from Iran is sold for 4.5 Dinars, and Kuwaiti Shaheen for 6 Dinars.

Muslim pointed out that the best fish types available are the ones caught in Kuwait's territorial waters and the imported ones from Iran.

As for Ali Abou Ghali, he mentioned that the price of a basket of shrimp has slightly increased, reaching 80 Dinars for jumbo-sized shrimp, after dropping to less than 40 Dinars during August and early September. This increase is attributed to a drop in temperature and the resulting change in shrimp behavior, leading to decreased catch.

He noted that the availability of imported shrimp, including the Saudi-farmed ones, helps reduce the price of local shrimp due to the large quantities flooding the market. The price of a kilogram of local shrimp ranges from 2.5 to 3 Dinars, depending on the size, while the Jumbo-sized shrimp is priced higher.

People's interest in the market to purchase fish has increased in recent days, with all types of fish available, including Nuweibi, Shuaum, and Sabeeti, in addition to Iranian and Pakistani fish. This abundance has led to lower prices, providing relief to stall owners, in contrast to the summer months when local fish supply tends to decrease.

Seller Saeed Al-Iraqi added that fish prices are excellent, with Kuwaiti shrimp selling for 3.5 Dinars at the stalls, while Jumbo-sized shrimp are priced at 4.5 Dinars. Basket prices for Jumbo shrimp have reached 85 Dinars. Kuwaiti Hamour fish is exceptionally rare, but there is Turkish Seabass, with a price ranging from 3 to 5 Dinars per kilogram based on size. In comparison, Supreme fish sells for 2.5 Dinars and Norwegian Salmon for 4 Dinars. Turkish Dentex is available for 2.5 Dinars.

The fish market is witnessing increased demand from consumers, and prices remain competitive for a variety of local and imported fish, with Kuwaiti shrimp being a popular choice among shoppers. The abundance of fish has resulted in lower prices, providing relief to market vendors.