Qatar curbs fish exports in inflation fight

EXPORT BAN: Qatar is seeking to control soaring fish prices by ordering fishermen to keep at least half of the total fish they catch for the local market. (Getty Images)

Qatar is seeking to control soaring fish prices by ordering fishermen to keep at least half of the total fish they catch for the local market rather than export it.

The Gulf Arab state, which has the Gulf region's steepest rate of inflation, has introduced price controls on food, building materials and rents this year in an effort to slow price increases.

Qatar's Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture has "strictly directed boat operators and traders not to export more than half of the total fish catch to ensure sufficient supplies in the local market," the daily Peninsula reported on Monday, citing market sources.

"Boat owners say they are not allowed to export more than half of their total catch since last Sunday," the paper said.

Qatar said this month it planned to freeze the price of steel and cement for three years and extend a diesel subsidy as it seeks to tackle inflation, which rose to 14.75 percent in the first quarter, just off a record.

It also introduced a two-year rent freeze earlier this year for contracts signed since 2005, and has maintained subsidies on some commodities such as flour. (Reuters)

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