Hilsa now largely dominates the fish market. Its abundance in the peak season is catching everyone's eye, but its sky-high price is opening a gap between taste and means. Most buyers ask the price with interest but walk away disappointed.
It is not only hilsa: prices of other fish seem to be rising in step.
That was the picture on Saturday (7 September) at the Jatrabari wholesale market and other nearby markets. Fish traders claim prices have come down because it is now hilsa season, with hilsa sold at various prices by size. Buyers, on the other hand, say fish prices keep rising, and if this continues it will become hard to eat fish.
Prices by size
Hilsa is selling at Tk 650 to Tk 2,500 a kg depending on size. Hilsa weighing 1.5 kg sell at Tk 1,800 a kg, and those weighing 1,800 grams at Tk 2,500 a kg. Because of the high prices, many are going home with small hilsa.
Rui is selling at Tk 320 to Tk 340, pangas at Tk 180 to Tk 200 a kg, shing at Tk 450 to Tk 600, large prawns at Tk 800 to Tk 900 a kg, tilapia at Tk 180 a kg, large river tilapia at Tk 260, poa at Tk 300 to Tk 350 and small mixed fish at Tk 200 a kg. Prices varied considerably between markets.
Buyers and sellers speak
Nurul Huda, who had come to buy fish, told Jago News: "After hearing the price of hilsa I am not even thinking of buying it. These fish are not for us; they are for the rich. Even pangas and small fish are very expensive. How will we eat fish like this? Producing hilsa costs nothing, so why do we have to pay so much for it? Tough action is needed here."
Abdus Sattar, a fish seller at the Jatrabari wholesale market, told Jago News: "Fish prices go up and down. Today prices are a little higher. Many people are turning away after hearing the price of hilsa, but there is nothing we can do. We are buying at higher prices too."
Jihad, a fish seller at Dholaipar market, said the same. "Fish prices go up and down. There is nothing we can do about it. The better the supply, the lower the price," he said.
Rickshaw puller Sumon told Jago News: "Buying hilsa is not in our fate. The price of one hilsa would pay for several people's shopping. All fish are expensive. How will we eat fish like this?"
Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.
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