The price of hilsa fish has soared ahead of Pahela Baishakh (Bengali New Year), with sudden hikes observed in the market. In many places, the price has risen to between 1,500 to 2,000 Taka per kg.
On Sunday, April 13, this price surge was evident at markets like Karwan Bazar, Malibagh, Shantinagar, and Jatrabari in Dhaka.
Reports from the ground indicate that a 1-kilogram hilsa fish is now being sold for as much as 3,000 Taka. Medium-sized hilsa are priced between 2,800 and 3,000 Taka per kg, and larger fish are being sold for 3,500 to 3,700 Taka.
Customers have raised concerns about price inflation, accusing some traders of taking advantage of the situation by hiking prices ahead of the celebration. They argue that hilsa is an essential part of the Pahela Baishakh tradition, and some unscrupulous traders are capitalizing on this to make higher profits. Many have appealed to the government for intervention.
Riyad Mahmud, a buyer, shared, "I spent 3,000 Taka on two medium-sized hilsa. If this continues, the common people will be deprived of enjoying the celebration."
Shimul Hasan, another customer, mentioned, "I came to buy hilsa for the new year, but due to the high prices, I can't afford it. Earlier, I could buy two medium-sized hilsa for 1,500 to 1,800 Taka, but now just one costs 1,500 Taka."
Traders explained that the price hike is mainly due to the increased demand for hilsa during Pahela Baishakh while the supply is limited. As the hilsa season has not yet begun, fewer fish are being caught from the sea and rivers. Additionally, due to a fishing ban in certain rivers, fishermen are unable to catch sufficient fish, further contributing to the price rise.
Fish vendor Mohammad Anisur Rahman stated, "We are selling two types of hilsa—one from cold storage and the other fresh. Cold storage hilsa is priced at 1,200 to 1,300 Taka per kg for small ones, and medium to large ones go for 2,400 to 3,000 Taka. Fresh hilsa is priced from 1,200 to 2,500 Taka for small and medium-sized fish, while larger fresh hilsa is sold for 3,500 to 3,700 Taka per kg."
He also added, "There was a time when hilsa was extremely popular, but now, demand has somewhat decreased. However, it's still selling well, though not as great as before."
Another seller, Mohammad Afis, explained, "Hilsa is no longer being caught in large quantities in rivers. The demand is high, but fishermen aren't catching enough. That's why the price continues to rise."
