The strong storms that plagued the Eastern Province during the last three days has caused the price of fish to increase by 40 percent. The net price of fresh fish increased by SR700, while for frozen fish there was an increase of SR500 per 32 kilograms.

Dealers in the Qatif Central Fish Market said the new precautionary regulations that the management made to better monitor marine licenses is also a principal reason for the creation of a big gap between demand and supply in the local markets.

They said that the price fluctuations resulting from the recent climatic events is not entirely unusual, as everybody tends to deal with the high prices after the storms as if it is a normal state of affairs.

They said the return of prices to their normal levels after the natural storms is also something to be expected.

Fish-monger Mohammad Mahieshi said that what is the many different types of fish in the market is a dynamic feature that acts to preserve the levels of prices.

He said the prices soared up as an initial reaction to the sand storm, but that during the last three days, prices are again down by 40 percent.

He said the fish returns from the Gulf still serve as a balancing feature to stop rocketing prices for the best types of fish like the Safi, Hamour, Shieri which are in higher demand than other poorer quality fish.