The price of Hilsa has increased by Tk 200 to 250 per Kilogram (Kg) in Chandpur after the government decided to export Hilsa to India, causing frustration among local consumers.
At present on average about 1,000 to 1,200 maunds (1 maund = approx. 38 kg) of Hilsa are landing daily at the Chandpur Fish Landing Center (Big Station Fish Wharf), but the price hike has left many disappointed.
Just a few days ago, the price ranged from Tk 1600 to 1650 per kg. Today it is Tk 1800 to Tk 1850 per kg. This increase is largely attributed to reports of exports to India.
The Hilsa fish comes from various water bodies, including the Padma and Meghna rivers, as well as areas like Bhola, Hatiya, Charfession, Ramgati, and Lakshmipur.
These fish are transported by trawlers and trucks to various locations, including Kawran Bazar and Uttara in the capital, and northern Bangladesh.
According to fish traders such as Amri Hossain Shakha, Ismail Bapari, and others who spoke to UNB at the Chandpur Fish Landing Center , the supply from the Padma and Meghna rivers is notably low this season, with only 40 to 50 maunds being caught daily. They indicated that the overall supply is insufficient to meet demand.
At retail level in Chandpur, a small hilsa weighing just over 1 kg(around 1.1 to 1.2 kg) would cost you upwards of Tk 2000.
Last year, the daily supply was much higher, reaching nearly 3,000 maunds during this period, according to traders like Nurul Islam Bakul and Didar Khan.
Many locals believe the price increase is due to news of exports to India, while reports indicate that fewer fish are being caught in the rivers this year. Environmental issues, such as river pollution, have also been cited as contributing factors.
Residents are expressing their disappointment, stating that they can no longer afford to buy ilish. One elderly woman, Marufa Begum, lamented, “I thought I could eat small ilish this time, but I can’t. The government is sending fish to India, and we can’t afford it anymore.”
Overall, the price increases and reduced supply have left consumers frustrated, with many calling on the government to address the situation.
