Maggie Chong & Cheryl Lim, Channel NewsAsia 26 Jan 10;
SINGAPORE: Fishes are traditional Chinese symbols of wealth and prosperity. But be prepared to shell out more dollars for them during this festive Lunar New Year period.
Fish mongers say prices of grouper and pomfret have more than doubled to about S$30 a kilo. However, they are quick to deny any speculations of price-fixing.
Fish mongers say the sharp hike is due to greater demand over the festive period, coupled with a smaller supply of seafood.
Some fish mongers are reporting a drop of up to 30 per cent in their fish stocks, saying rough seas are to blame.
"When there are big waves, they overwhelm the smaller fishing boats so their catch is smaller," explained Woo Chee Meng, a fish monger. "And the bigger boats avoid going out to sea altogether because of the rough waters."
- CNA/yb
