There is fish, but no sales.

Fishmongers on the historic Havra Street in Izmir, the go-to place for those who want to buy fresh fish, expressed their concerns by stating that sales are slow. The merchants, who mentioned that fish prices are low, are saying, ‘There is fish available but no sales.’ The historic Havra Street in Izmir’s Kemeraltı Bazaar, which has become a popular spot for buying fish, is currently experiencing a slowdown in fish sales. Fishmongers usually note a decrease in sales during the summer season and stated that the current sales are not satisfactory. The merchants, emphasizing that fish prices are reasonable, mentioned that they expect sales to increase even more in the coming days. In the historical market; sardines are sold for 100 TL, sea bream and sea bass for 150-180 TL, Norwegian salmon for 400 TL, Black Sea salmon for 130 TL, and mackerel for 130 TL. ‘Fish prices are reasonable compared to meat prices.’ Fishmonger Kenan Peker stated that fish prices are reasonable compared to meat prices. Peker said, ‘Sales are not as good as we would like. Actually, the prices are very reasonable; but sales are not good. We are not satisfied with this situation. 1 kilogram of meat is currently 600 TL and you can buy 1 kilogram of sardines for 100 TL. 1 kilogram of sardines can easily be consumed by 3-4 people. How many people can eat 1 kilogram of meat? Fish is both affordable and economical.’ Another fishmonger, İzzettin Yedikardeş, said that the prices have dropped because fish is not preferred in summer. Yedikardeş added, ‘Compared to other products, it’s cheap. You look at a kilo of fresh beans, it’s 140-150 lira. Red mullet is 150-160 TL. Fish is cheaper compared to them. After July 15, the variety of fish will increase even more. These are the hours we should do business, but there is no one at the stalls.’ A citizen named Mustafa Kavacık mentioned that they find the prices reasonable. Kavacık said, ‘1 kilogram of meat is 600 TL, fish is 130 TL. People don’t have money and they are in a lot of trouble.’