Dried fish prices surge in Basra ahead of Ramadan

BASRA — The price of traditionally dried fish in Basra’s old market has surged to 13,000 Iraqi dinars (about $8.70) per “Oqiya” (approximately 250 grams), vendors said, citing growing demand for dried tuna, black seabream, and scomberoides fish. These varieties are key ingredients in Basra’s celebrated dishes such as masmouta, fish biryani, and tathkhana—favorites from mid-Ramadan through Eid morning.

Masmouta, a staple in southern Iraqi households, is prepared by splitting open the fish, salting it heavily, and hanging it on ropes to dry—a process that can take up to a month. “In the lead-up to Ramadan, we start preparing masmouta using tuna, black seabream, and scomberoides,” said Saeed Fadel, a fish vendor. “We use both river and sea fish, but Basra residents prefer the marine varieties.”

Fadel explained that the drying time varies with the season. “In winter, drying takes about 15 days, while in summer it only takes four to five days,” he said.

Prices are reportedly higher this year compared to last. “Every year, we buy one Oqiya of dried fish for 8,000 to 10,000 dinars, but this year, it has jumped to 13,000 dinars,” confirmed another vendor, Saddam Saleh. Saleh added that his method involves keeping the fish in the shade for three to four days before hanging it to prevent spoilage. “We start this process before Ramadan and continue until the 15th of the month, ensuring the fish is ready for sale,” he said.

With Basra’s large population and increased interest in its seafood—especially in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region—fishermen and market vendors are finding it difficult to meet demand.

The first day of Ramadan fasting is expected to begin on Saturday, and conclude at sunset on Saturday, March 29.