.webp)
Despite numerous initiatives aimed at reducing the price of hilsa by boosting production, these efforts have proven largely ineffective. The price of hilsa continues to rise significantly each year, placing it increasingly out of reach for ordinary consumers.
According to various government agencies' data, the price of hilsa increased by 35-36 per cent compared to last year. Currently, consumers are paying between Tk 1,800 and Tk 2,000 per kilogram (kg) for good quality, slightly larger hilsa, up from Tk 1,300-Tk 1,400 at this time last year.
Business insiders attributed the rising price of hilsa to several factors, including the role of intermediaries, the activities of syndicates, the imbalance between supply and demand, seasonal fluctuations and news of exports.
They indicated that the supply of hilsa fish has diminished in relation to demand, resulting in higher prices. Additionally, they claimed that each level of the supply chain is making abnormal profits, further exacerbating the price hike.
To address these issues, stakeholders have suggested implementing new strategies to enhance the production of hilsa. They also emphasised the importance of strict monitoring in the market to control prices.
Recently, in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar and Segunbagicha, as well as other fish markets, prices for hilsa are as follows, 750-800 grams of hilsa sold at Tk 1400-Tk 1500 per kg, 900 grams at Tk 1500-1600 per kg and hilsa weighing over one kg priced at more than Tk 1,600 per kg.
Hilsa weighing between 1-1.25 kg is being sold at Tk 1,800-Tk 2,000 per kg, while one-and-a-half kg hilsa was seen being sold at Tk 2,500 per kg.
Retailers said that this year’s prices are unusually high due to supply shortages. With the government's decision to export, prices have increased by over Tk 100 per kg.
In Jatrabari, more than 200 fish traders were observed purchasing hilsa from regions such as Monpura, Bhola, Mahipal, Feni, Chandpur, and Patharghata before selling them in the market.
In the wholesale market, the prices of hilsa varied, with 1.5 kg of hilsa sold at Tk 1,800 per kg, one kg at Tk 1,600 per kg, 800 grams at Tk 1,450-Tk 1,470 per kg and 500 grams of hilsa at Tk 900 per kg.
According to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), the retail price of hilsa in various markets in the capital, including Mohakhali, Mohammadpur and Shantinagar was at Tk 800-Tk 1,800 per kg on Thursday. A month ago, the prices were between Tk 800 and Tk 1,600 per kg.
TCB also reported that hilsa prices had risen by 36 per cent compared to the same period last year when hilsa was available in the capital’s markets for Tk 600 to Tk 1,300 per kg.
Egg prices rise further
Meanwhile, the prices of farm chicken eggs in Dhaka’s kitchen markets have risen further. In retail markets, both brown and white eggs are being sold at Tk 165-Tk 170 per dozen on Thursday, an increase from Tk 160-Tk 165 per dozen last week. Although egg prices have not decreased, vegetable prices have seen a slight decline in the markets.
