Fish traders expect things to improve in ‘a day or two’

By Ramesh Mathew/Staff ReporterFish wholesalers at Doha’s Central Market expect their activities to pick up considerably in a day or two as the Holy Month of Ramadan enters its second half.Speaking to Gulf Times yesterday, traders said though the 55-odd retail outlets at the market were still drawing significantly fewer customers than what they used to more than a month ago, things could improve soon as there had been good arrivals of fresh stocks in the past 48 hours.Ismail, an old-timer at the Central Market, said there had been signs of improvement since yesterday and lots of stocks were allowed to be exported to neighbouring Saudi Arabia. “This is possible only if sufficient stock is left with the traders,” he said, adding that sources in the industry told him about the likelihood of more stocks arriving in the market in the next couple of days.Most traders contacted by this newspaper said their business in the first half of Ramadan has not been that good, but trading usually picks up in the second half. “A large number of regular Arab customers, who are still away from the country owing to extreme hot conditions, are expected to come back in the second half of the Holy Month,” a trader said.Wholesalers said their business had dropped over the past fortnight as a number of big caterers complained of shortage of orders. One of them said a major catering firm, which usually placed orders for about 1,000 kilos a day, reported lack of business and the demand was in the region of 200-250 kilos these days. “Similar dullness is also felt in most businesses, including at major hotels,” he added.However, the trader hoped that the slow-but-steady return to Qatar of many nationals after spending the first half of the Holy Month outside would help improve their activities in the coming days.Enquiries at stalls in the main market found that fresh stocks of sought-after varieties of fish such as Chenad (King Fish) and Hamour have made prices go down from the usual July levels. These were being traded at QR25 and QR44 a kilo yesterday. Shamal Safi is perhaps the only variety that has become more expensive in the last few days, being sold for QR48 and above per kilo.Big and small Sheri were being sold for QR9 and QR5 a kilo at most retail outlets. Fishermen said they have had a good catch in the past 48 hours and many vessels were on duty at sea. This would help bring more quantities to the local market in the coming days.