The government’s 58-day ban on sea fishing has begun to affect markets in Cox’s Bazar, leading to a shortage of fish. At Borobazar, the city’s largest fish market, prices of both marine and farmed fish have increased significantly.
A visit to Borobazar on Monday (April 20) showed that prices of most fish varieties have risen by Tk 50 to Tk 200 per kilogram compared to the previous week. Although buyers were present in large numbers, the fish supply remained insufficient to meet demand.
Fish traders said that due to the fishing restriction, most trawlers are unable to go to sea, resulting in a sharp decline in landings at the fish landing stations. This has pushed up wholesale prices, which have directly affected retail rates.
Currently, market prices are as follows: hilsa is selling at Tk 1,300 to Tk 2,200 per kg; coral and grouper at Tk 800 to Tk 1,200 per kg; poa fish at Tk 350 to Tk 450 per kg; and lottia fish at Tk 250 to Tk 300 per kg. Marine shrimp prices have also increased to Tk 800 to Tk 1,400 per kg.
Farmed fish prices have also gone up. Rui is selling at Tk 400 to Tk 550 per kg, katla at Tk 450 to Tk 600 per kg, mrigel at Tk 350 to Tk 450 per kg, tilapia at Tk 200 to Tk 220 per kg, and pangas at Tk 180 to Tk 250 per kg.
Prices of local freshwater fish have also increased. Shing fish is selling for Tk 400 to Tk 600 (higher for local varieties), magur for Tk 900 to Tk 1,200, tengra for Tk 500 to Tk 800, and boal for Tk 600 to Tk 800 per kg.
Consumers said that fish, which previously cost Tk 300 to Tk 400, is now not available below Tk 500, making household budgeting difficult.
Traders warned that supply may decline further during the ongoing fishing ban period, raising the possibility of additional price increases in the coming days.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
