The government’s ongoing 58-day fishing ban in the Bay of Bengal has reduced the supply of marine fish in Cox’s Bazar markets, leading to sharp price increases.
Visits to Baharchhara Bazar and Boro Bazar on Friday showed a noticeable decline in the supply of marine fish compared to previous weeks. Prices of hilsa, pomfret, shrimp, coral fish, tuna, and loitta fish have risen significantly, placing them beyond the reach of many consumers.
Medium-sized hilsa is currently selling for Tk 1,800 to Tk 2,500 per kilogram, while coral fish is priced between Tk 1,000 and Tk 1,400 per kilogram. Large shrimp is being sold for Tk 900 to Tk 1,200 per kilogram, and pomfret prices range from Tk 1,200 to Tk 2,000 depending on size and quality.
Prices of farmed fish have also increased due to rising demand. Pangas fish is selling for Tk 170 to Tk 200 per kilogram, while tilapia is priced between Tk 200 and Tk 220. Rui fish is being sold for Tk 350 to Tk 450 per kilogram, katla for Tk 400 to Tk 550 per kilogram, and mrigel for Tk 300 to Tk 380 per kilogram.
Fish seller Wahidul Karim at Baharchhara Bazar said that fish supplies to wholesale markets have declined because fishing activities at sea remain suspended. He added that lower supply has pushed prices higher, while increased demand for farmed fish has also raised their prices.
Several customers said prices for almost all types of fish have increased over the past few weeks, forcing many families to buy smaller quantities than usual. Low-income consumers are facing the greatest difficulties, they said.
Market insiders believe fish supply is unlikely to normalize until the fishing ban ends, raising concerns that prices may continue to increase over the coming weeks.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
