Why Fish Prices Change Every Day in Thane & Mumbai
Fish prices change daily because the supply changes daily. How much fish lands each morning depends on the weather, the sea and the season. Most sea fish is then sold by auction at the landing centre, so the price is set fresh each day by how much came in and how many buyers want it.
Here is what moves the price, and how to compare prices before you buy.
1. Weather and sea conditions
When the sea is rough, fewer boats go out and less fish comes in. Less supply means higher prices that day. Calm weather and a good catch bring prices down.
2. The landing auction
Most sea fish in Mumbai is sold at landing centres, where wholesalers and local sellers bid for each lot. The price at auction depends on that day’s catch and demand, and your local seller’s price follows it.
3. Season
Fish have seasons. Bombil and bangda are plentiful at some times of year and scarce at others. During Maharashtra’s monsoon fishing ban (from June 1; extended to August 15 in 2026), mechanised boats don’t go to sea, so sea fish is scarce and prices rise. See our monsoon fishing ban guide.
4. Demand
Weekends, festivals and the days after religious fasting periods all push demand up. When demand rises and the catch doesn’t, prices rise.
5. Costs between the boat and you
Fuel for boats, ice, labour and transport all add to the price. When these costs go up, they show up in what you pay.
6. Size and grade
A large pomfret costs much more per kg than a small one. Two “pomfret” prices can both be fair and still be very different. Always compare the same size and the same unit (per kg or per piece).
How to get a fair price
- Compare the same thing. Same fish, same size, same unit, same cut (whole or cleaned).
- Know the season. Off-season fish costs more everywhere.
- Ask your seller what came in today. A good seller will tell you what is good value that day.
- Check freshness, not just price. Clear eyes, red gills, firm flesh and a clean sea smell. Cheap fish that is not fresh is not a good deal.
Comparing prices on Relifish
On Relifish, each local seller sets their own prices and updates them as their stock changes. Relifish adds no markup and charges sellers 0% commission, so the price you see is the seller’s own price. Delivery fees, if any, are set by the seller and shown before you pay.
- Same-day orders show the seller’s price for today.
- Pre-orders show a price range, because tomorrow’s price isn’t known yet. You pay the top of the range, and once the seller sets the final price, the difference is refunded.
You can compare sellers for one fish on its own page, for example surmai, pomfret or prawns. Log in with your mobile number to see live prices.
Sellers on Relifish currently serve parts of Thane, Tardeo and Kamothe. Read how ordering works, or contact us on WhatsApp at 9152207607 (7:30 AM to 9 PM) or at relifishstore@gmail.com.
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