The prices of hilsa in Barishal markets have surged following the commencement of exports to India for Durga Puja. The prices have risen by Tk 8,000 to Tk 10,000 per maund, according to local sources.
On Wednesday afternoon, nearly four tonnes of hilsa were exported from Barishal to India by road. Like previous years, hilsa is also being exported to India from Barishal this year under five licences issued to Awami League leader NirobHossainTutul. However, Tutul is currently in India, according to party members and associates.
A visit to the Barishal fish landing centre revealed that rows of cartons filled with large hilsa prepared for export.
Nasir Uddin, a fish trader from the Lia Fish Market on Barishal's Port Road, said that the export of hilsa began on Wednesday afternoon, with four tonnes being shipped on that day alone. On Thursday, hilsa weighing 1,200 grams sold for Tk 76,000 per maund, one kilogramme-sized hilsa for Tk 73,000 and LC-sized hilsa (700-900 grams) for Tk 66,000.
He noted that the price of hilsa has increased by Tk 8,000 to Tk 10,000 per maund compared to the previous week due to the high demand for LC-sized fish.
Abu Bakar, another trader, said, “Although large quantities of hilsa are available in Bhola and Patharghata of Barguna, the shortage of hilsa in the major wholesale markets of Alipur and Mahipur in Kalapara has affected the prices of hilsa in Barishal and the entire southern region.”
Zahir Sikdar, a fish trader from Port Road, said, “Allowing hilsa exports to India is beneficial for the domestic market.” He added that a significant amount of hilsa is smuggled to India via Jeshore, Satkhira and Agartala, and the permission for legal export should help curb this illegal trade.
Sources at the Barishal Fish Landing Centre reported that more than 500 maunds of hilsa have recently arrived at the Port Road fish market. Most of the exports are expected to come from the Barishal region, with an estimated total of 1,000 tonnes. Daily shipments of 100 to 150 tonnes are expected to continue.
Sumi Rani Mitra, assistant director of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection in Barishal District, said that their department cannot control prices; they can only monitor that fish is not being hoarded and that price lists are properly displayed.
Bimol Chandra Das, the district fisheries officer (hilsa) of Barishal, confirmed the price hike of hilsa. He said that as of Friday morning, LC-sized hilsa (700-900 grams) was being sold for Tk 66,000 per maund. However, he expects that prices to drop once fishing trawlers return with fresh catches.
