Hilsa floods Chandpur markets, prices drop

An increased supply of delicious hilsa at the Chandpur fish landing centre has contributed to its price fall in local markets, bringing some relief to consumers ahead of the upcoming 22-day hilsa fishing ban starting on 4 October.

At the Boro Station Fish Market, traders and others said the supply of hilsa mounted over the past two to three days, averaging 1,000–1,200 maunds per day, compared to just 400–500 maunds previously.

Wholesalers said that this surge has helped stabilise prices, but apparently still beyond the buying capacity of low-income groups.

Shobe Barat Sarkar, secretary of the Fish Traders' Association, and other traders said around 80–90 per cent of the caught hilsa is small in size, with four fish making up one kilogram. Prices for such fish range from Tk 600–700 per kg, while mid-sized hilsa sell for Tk1,850–2,200 per kg.

Smaller hilsa weighing 800–900 grams per kg are sold at Tk1,600–1,800.

Two women were seen purchasing hilsa at Tk450 per kg, while two private bank officials bought five hilsa each at Tk1,950 per kg.

Local vendors said the price drop, though daily-wage earners still find it difficult to afford even the reduced rates.

Fresh local hilsa continues to arrive from the Padma and Meghna rivers, as well as southern regions including Hatiya, Sandwip, Ramgati, Charfesson, Barguna and Bhola, transported via trawlers, pick-ups and trucks.

From Chandpur, the fish are distributed to Dhaka, Gazipur, Tongi, Jamalpur, Kishoreganj, Manikganj and Savar.

Senior traders Sheikh Amir Hossain, Delowar Hossain, Zakir Hossain, Russel Gazi, and Parimal Das of Harina Ghat said they are having busy times to handle the huge supply of hilsa.

Asked about the small size of hilsha, District Fisheries Officer Nibas Chandra Chand said he has joined the workplace recently, expressing reluctance to make comments in this regard.