Hilsa prices drop in Chandpur amid abundant supply, but remain relatively high

The price of Hilsa fish has dropped significantly in the local markets of Chandpur over the past few days due to an abundant supply, offering temporary relief to traders and consumers ahead of the upcoming government-imposed fishing ban. However, prices remain relatively high compared to the same period of last year.

Traders attribute the price fall to increased supply just days before the government's 22-day ban on Hilsa fishing, which will begin on October 4 to protect spawning "mother Hilsas."

Speaking to The Financial Express (FE), District Fisheries Officer Srinibash Chandra Chanda said, "The government ban on Hilsa netting and trading in the Meghna and Padma Rivers will start from October 4 to preserve mother Hilsas during their breeding season."

During a recent visit to the Boro Railway Station Fish Landing Ghat and other markets in Chandpur town and surrounding areas, FE observed a significant reduction in prices: 1 kg Hilsa is now selling at Tk 2,000, down from Tk 2,600 just two to three days ago. 800-900g Hilsa is priced at Tk 1,700 per kg, previously Tk 2,200. 500-600g Hilsa now sells for Tk 1,300 per kg, down from Tk 1,700-1,800. Smaller Hilsas, four pieces weighing 1 kg, are priced at Tk 700, compared to Tk 1,000 earlier.

According to Fish Merchants Association General Secretary Alhaj Shab-E-Barat and traders Malek Khandaker, Kashem Khandaker, Noor-e-Alam Prodhania, Nurul Islam Bokaul, and Roubel Gazi, on an average of 1,200 maunds of Hilsa are arriving daily at the Chandpur Ghat via trawlers and pickup vans from coastal districts such as Bhola, Hatiya, Charfashion, Ramgati, Barguna, and Chattogram.

While meeting local demand, Hilsa is also being transported to Dhaka, Jamalpur, Manikganj, Tangail, Gazipur, Kishoreganj, Savar, Mymensingh, and other districts.

Many consumers rushed to purchase Hilsa at the new lower prices, with some paying Tk 1,900-1,950 per kg depending on size. However, several buyers expressed concern that prices are still higher than last year, when 1 kg Hilsa was available at around Tk 1,500.

Dr Anisur Rahman, a retired Hilsa researcher from the Fisheries Research Institute, Chandpur, noted that hidden shoals and sandbars (chars) emerging in the Meghna and Padma riverbeds are disrupting Hilsa migration routes. "As a result, many Hilsas are bypassing the Chandpur region, causing lower-than-expected catches," he said.

When asked about the sale of undersized Hilsa during the peak season, the District Fisheries Officer stated, "I have recently joined here. It's too early to comment on that issue."

On the issue of pricing, fish merchants explained that Hilsa is sold through open auction at the ghat, and final prices are determined by mutual consensus among traders. They emphasised that prices fluctuate based on availability - rising when supply is low and falling when supply increases.

"With the recent surge in supply, the market has naturally responded with lower prices. This is a welcome relief for traders and consumers ahead of the government's seasonal ban," said one trader.

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