Fish prices continue to soar

By Shiran Ranasinghe

Fish prices have increased by about Rs. 200 during the past few days owing to a shortage of kerosene, say fish traders.Secretary of the Peliyagoda Fish Market Business Association Jayantha Cooray said that usually fish prices were low in August due to good fish harvests.

“People can’t go fishing without kerosene. Fishermen also complain of the ill-effects of kerosene price increases but kerosene is not available even at high prices.

Cooray said that on Wednesday, the price of a kilo of seer fish, sailfish and tuna had been Rs. 2,000.A kilo of linna and salaya sold at Rs. 700, he said.

“Obviously, the demand has also dropped. Who can eat fish at such high prices? We were thinking of reducing prices because the government announced there will be fuel. However, diesel and kerosene are still not available to fishermen”, he said.

Cooray said that they understood that the country was going through a severe economic crisis and that there could be disruptions to the fuel supply. However, the government must try to manage the available resources properly he said.

“See how well the QR system is working. Of course, it’s not ideal for gas station and bowser owners, but most people have benefited from it. The government must think of a way to address the kerosene needs of the fishing community in a similar manner,” he said.