Hilsa prices hit record high, most find it out of reach

Hilsa prices have soared to record levels this year, keeping the national fish out of reach for low- and middle-income consumers.

Traders say poor catches from both rivers and the sea have pushed up prices.

Despite the poor catches, supply in Dhaka remains moderate during the peak rainy season. Bad weather has hindered many fishermen from going to sea, contributing to the current price hike.

The catch of fish is likely to improve in August or September, traders said.

Large-sized hilsa is rare in the market, with mostly smaller-sized fish available. A visit to several kitchen markets in Dhaka on Friday showed that hilsa weighing more than 1.0 kg is selling at Tk 2,200 to Tk 3,200 per kg.

Fish weighing between 700 and 900 grams are priced at Tk 1,650 to Tk 2,000 [per kg, while smaller hilsa is selling for Tk 1,100 to Tk 1,400 per kg.

Most available fish weigh between 700 and 800 grams, while many are even smaller, under 500 grams.

Javed Ali, a fish vendor at Mohammadpur Krishi Market, said, "Fish supply is low at the moment. Prices are expected to come down in August or September when the catch improves."

Buyers, however, are struggling to afford hilsa.

A medium-sized fish of about 800 grams now costs around Tk 1,200 to Tk 1,300 a piece-far too expensive for many families.

Selimur Rahman, a shopper at Rayerbazar, said, "I asked around at several stalls, but I couldn't afford hilsa for my six-member family. I ended up buying farmed ruhi instead."

Another buyer, Arman Hossain, who works in a shop at New Market area, said, "You can't find hilsa for less than Tk 1,400 to Tk 1,500 per kg these days."

Haider Hossain Faqir, a trader at Karwan Bazar, said bad weather has kept many fishermen from going to sea, which has contributed to the week's price hike.

He said that prices may come down in August as sea conditions improve.

According to him, the rising cost of fishing is another factor.

"Hilsa became more expensive to catch after the government raised diesel prices by 25 per cent in 2021 and again by 50 per cent in 2022. If you compare hilsa prices before and after the diesel hike, the difference is like sky and earth." The high price of hilsa has also affected the prices of other river fish.

River-caught ruhi and katla are selling for Tk 650 to Tk 1,200 per kg, shrimp for Tk 850 to Tk 1,550, and other varieties like boal, pabda, golsha, and tengra are priced between Tk 600 and Tk 1,000 per kg. Cultured ruhi, katla, shing, magur, koi, pangas, and tilapia are also maintaining a high price range.

Green chili prices have dropped slightly to Tk 200-220 per kg from Tk 300. However, vegetable prices remain high. Prices of eggs and chicken are stable, but rice and beef continue to be sold at high rates.

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