Gulf Tensions Halt Pomfret Exports, Premium Fish Reaches Pune Markets
Pune, 16th March 2026: Ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran have disrupted seafood exports from India to Gulf countries, bringing an unexpected change to local fish markets in Pune. Due to the halt in exports, the premium “deluxe pomfret”, which is usually shipped overseas, has now started appearing in the city’s markets.
Fish traders at the Ganesh Peth Fish Market said around 70 to 80 kilograms of deluxe pomfret are arriving in the market daily. The fish is being sold for up to ₹1,900 per kilogram.
Fresh and frozen pomfret from India’s eastern and western coasts is usually exported to Gulf countries, particularly Kuwait, where deluxe pomfret is in high demand. The fish typically weighs between 700 grams and one kilogram and is considered a premium variety, fetching high prices due to limited availability.
Traders usually prefer exporting this variety because of better profits. However, with exports currently disrupted, the fish is being sold in local markets instead. Along with deluxe pomfret, other varieties such as super and kapri pomfret are also arriving in the market. These usually weigh between 500 and 600 grams and are priced between ₹1,500 and ₹1,700 per kilogram.
Thakur Pardeshi, a fish seller from Ganesh Peth market, said exports to Kuwait and other Gulf countries have temporarily stopped due to the situation in the region. “Because of this, the deluxe pomfret that normally goes abroad is now coming to the local market. Once exports resume, the supply here will reduce again,” he said.
