Muscat: Oman’s new executive regulation for living aquatic resources gives the competent authority a clearer mechanism to oversee retail fish prices, linking any pricing decisions to documented wholesale purchase invoices.
Under Ministerial Decision No 70/2026, the competent authority may determine retail prices for living aquatic resources and their products in fish markets, in coordination with relevant entities. Where such prices are determined, the retail price charged to consumers must not exceed 30 per cent above the wholesale price, based on purchase invoices from the central wholesale market, fish markets at fishing ports, landing centres or collection centres.
The regulation, issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, was published in Official Gazette No 1643 on April 12, 2026, and came into force the following day. The rule does not impose an automatic blanket price ceiling across all fish markets. Rather, it provides a legal basis for the competent authority to regulate retail prices when required, using wholesale invoices as the reference point.
The measure could strengthen market transparency in a sector central to household consumption, coastal livelihoods, food security and Oman’s wider economic diversification agenda. The regulation also places clearer obligations on licensed retailers in fish markets. They must display the type of product, its condition, country of origin and whether it is wild-caught or farmed.
Selling prices must also be clearly shown. Retailers are required to display and sell products only in designated areas. Fish and related products may not be left on the floor and must be kept in electric refrigerators or insulated ice boxes cooled with ice and made from rust-resistant materials, according to market requirements.
The rules also tighten documentation across the market chain. Fisheries establishments and owners of transport vehicles must provide purchase certificates to buyers. Export shipments of living aquatic resources and their products through border points are also prohibited unless supported by an approved purchase certificate and shipment exit approval.
The regulation gives those covered by its provisions one year from its entry into force to adjust their status. Existing licences remain valid until expiry, but must be renewed under the new rules.The wider regulation consolidates earlier decisions covering commercial fishing vessels, fish quality control, aquaculture, fish markets, fishing gear and recreational fishing into a single executive framework.
For consumers, the key question is whether stronger documentation and pricing oversight will improve confidence in fish markets. For traders, transporters and retailers, the message is clear: invoices, product information, storage standards and purchase certificates are becoming central to compliance.
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