Hilsa becomes more expensive even after fishing ban ends

Hilsa price is increasing instead of coming down even as the two-month countrywide ban on catching the national fish has ended, making it unaffordable for low-wage earners.

Traders blame a short supply from the wholesale market for the skyrocketing hilsa price. The price situation is more or less the same for other fish as well.

Besides, prices of meat, edible oil, sugar, onion, garlic and vegetables have risen dramatically over the last week in Dhaka, this correspondent found after visiting different retail markets.

Tk800 for 500g hilsa

The two-month ban on fishing in hilsa sanctuaries in six districts — Barishal, Chandpur, Lakshmipur, Bhola, Shariatpur and Patuakhali- ended on Sunday midnight. Consumers and retailers had expected that the price of the popular fish would go down after the ban. But in reality, hilsa prices have gone up instead.

Visiting the capital’s retail markets, this correspondent found out that most fish traders are selling hilsa weighing 500-600 grams. Some have even smaller hilsa. Only one or two traders could get their hands on hilsa weighing 800 grams or 1 kg. But the prices of the fish are too high for low and middle-income groups.

A 500-600g hilsa is being sold at Tk 1,100-1,500 per kg, while a one kg of hilsa is being sold at Tk 2200-2500 per kg. Buyers are having to spend Tk 700-800 per kg to buy hilsa under 500g.

Abdur Rahim, a fish seller in the capital’s Mugda market, said the amount of hilsa being caught by fishermen is lower than expected and not enough to meet the market demand. Opportunist dealers are increasing the price by taking advantage of the situation.

He also said skyrocketing meat prices have also pushed hilsa and other fish prices higher.

Other fish prices high too

The price of small rohu carp fish at the retail market has increased by Tk 20-30 per kg and is being sold at Tk 320-330. Catla fish is being sold at a similar price as well.

Besides, prices of almost all types of farmed fish including pabda, shrimp, snakehead murrel, helicopter catfish have also increased by Tk 50-60 per kg.

According to traders, pabda fish are being sold at Tk 400-450 per kg after a hike of Tk 50, shrimp are selling at Tk 600-800 per kg, and yellowtail catfish are selling at more than Tk 200 per kg.

In the meantime, meat prices have risen again over the last week after an earlier hike ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Beef prices suddenly increased by Tk 50-100 per kg to a peak of Tk 750. Now it is being sold at Tk 750-800 per kg in the retail market. In addition, mutton is being sold at Tk 1,100-1,300 per kg which peaked at Tk 1,100 per kg before Eid.

In the meantime, broiler chicken price remains unchanged at Tk 230 per kg and golden breed chicken at Tk 320 per kg.

Onion price up by Tk10-15 per kg

The price of local onions has suddenly increased by Tk 10-15 per kg ahead of monsoon.

In the retail market, onions are selling at Tk 50-55 per kg, which was Tk 40-45 a kg a week ago. Before Eid, onions were sold at Tk 37-40 per kg.

In the country, the season of local onions lasts till the beginning of April. In order to maintain the domestic onion market, the government has stopped the import permit for onions since March 16.

Traders said there is sufficient onion production in the country as per the demand. Therefore, they believe that onion prices have been hiked artificially.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, more than 32 lakh tonnes of onions have been produced in the current season against a demand of 30 lakh tonnes of onion in the country.

Alongside onions, the prices of ginger, garlic and potatoes too have increased. Potatoes are being sold at Tk 35 per kg after an increase of Tk 5.