Libya’s Ministry of Economy and Trade has imposed a three-month ban on the export, re-export and transit trade of all fish and seafood products in an effort to curb soaring prices in the domestic market.
The decision comes as seafood prices have risen sharply across the country ahead of the summer season, when consumer demand typically increases. Authorities hope the measure will direct all locally caught fish into the domestic market, boosting supplies and reducing prices for consumers.
According to a report by Al-Jazeera.Net, officials said the temporary ban is aimed at achieving a better balance between supply and demand and ensuring that seafood remains affordable for ordinary Libyans during the high-consumption summer period. The measure also seeks to prevent speculative trading and the smuggling of marine products under the cover of transit trade.
The decision has drawn mixed reactions across Libya. Many consumers welcomed the move, expressing hope that prices for popular fish varieties, including warata and manani, will decline after reaching record levels that many families struggle to afford.
However, some traders and exporters voiced concerns about the ban, arguing that suspending exports, even temporarily, could hurt the fishing industry. They said many operators rely on foreign markets to cover high operating costs, including fuel expenses and boat maintenance.
The Ministry of Economy has instructed regulatory authorities, including the Customs Authority and the Municipal Guard, to tighten controls at land, sea and air entry points to ensure strict implementation of the ban throughout the three-month period.
Analysts say the success of the measure will depend on effective enforcement and whether the increased domestic supply translates into lower retail prices. The government is betting that the temporary restrictions will provide immediate relief to consumers and help stabilise food prices during the summer months.