Carp is selling for over 12 leva per kilo in Ruse for St. Nicholas Day, and cooked versions cost roughly double that price. Fisherman Sunay Sabriev explained that Danube catch numbers tanked because the river level got way too high, and carp prefer warmer conditions anyway. Sibel Hasanova runs two shops with her family and said customers from other cities show up hunting for Danube fish, but the local supply barely exists this year.
Traders warned shoppers might end up buying imported carp from Greece or Turkey instead of the real Danube stuff. People who can't afford premium prices are grabbing whitefish, catfish, bream, or barbel to keep the holiday tradition alive without wrecking their wallets. Authorities are checking all 13 specialized stores, warehouses, restaurants, and markets that handle fish products.
Traders warned shoppers might end up buying imported carp from Greece or Turkey instead of the real Danube stuff. People who can't afford premium prices are grabbing whitefish, catfish, bream, or barbel to keep the holiday tradition alive without wrecking their wallets. Authorities are checking all 13 specialized stores, warehouses, restaurants, and markets that handle fish products.
