Fish prices in the city of al-Dana, northern Idlib, have risen between 30% and 40% since the beginning of October, with demand declining after it was a substitute for red meat and chicken.

The primary source of sea fish in al-Dana is the frozen variety coming from Turkey, which arrives through traders.

Meanwhile, river fish hardly arrive from Darkush in western Idlib or Jarablus in eastern Aleppo, in small quantities.

What are the prices?

Enab Baladi monitored a list of prices for fish sold in the markets, where the price of a kilogram of salmon reached 210 Turkish lira, gilt-head bream 320 lira, tilapia 45 lira, Karam 85 lira, Naseri 125 lira, and catfish 55 Turkish lira.

In contrast, the price of a kilogram of lamb meat is 350 Turkish lira, mutton meat is 320 lira, and the price range for a kilogram of chicken is 45.5 lira, with its parts’ prices ranging between 45 and 70 lira.

Daily wages in Idlib range between 100 and 150 Turkish lira (approximately four dollars), varying based on working hours and the type of profession, whether agricultural or construction work.

Each US dollar equals 34.5 Turkish lira, and 15,000 Syrian pounds.

Fish in al-Dana city comes from Turkey or the Orontes River – October 31, 2024 (Enab Baladi/Mohamed Masto)

Small quantities

According to Thaer Ajaj, a fish vendor in the city market, prices have risen by 30% since mid-October; types of fish that were priced at 80 lira per kilogram are now worth 100 lira, with some increasing more due to reduced imports from Turkey.

He mentioned that the popular turnout was good a month ago but has declined after the price hike, adding that the most sought-after types of fish are: mullet, tilapia, and catfish.

He explained that prices vary according to the amount available in the market. If large quantities of a certain type, like mullet, are available, its price decreases for traders and then customers.

He clarified that fish can be stored in freezers, while the vendors suffer greater losses as they cannot store the fish easily.

Ghassan Mohammed, a fish shop owner in al-Dana, told Enab Baladi that prices vary according to the type of fish arriving at the market.

He added that the capital for some types can be 70 or 80 Turkish lira per kilogram, while it is sold for 100 lira, barely covering costs.

The residents of northern Syria live under deteriorating economic and living conditions, with 30% of them relying on daily (irregular) work as a primary and secondary source of income, according to a study conducted by the Support Coordination Unit.

According to the study, 20% of Syrians in these areas pay rent that exceeds one-third of average salaries, 61% of families are in debt, and 75% of families cannot save any amounts during the month.