Prices of hilsa and other marine fish have increased at Cox’s Bazar’s main wholesale fish market, Cox’s Bazar Boro Bazar, ahead of Pahela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year.
A visit to the market showed that buyers have to pay higher prices for hilsa, leading to some dissatisfaction among consumers.
Fish trader Siraj Hossain said that medium-sized hilsa is currently selling at Tk 1,800 per kilogram, while larger ones are priced between Tk 2,200 and Tk 2,300 per kilogram.
“Hilsa is usually sold at a relatively higher price. During the season, we buy it at higher wholesale prices and sell it in the retail market. Demand has increased ahead of Pahela Baishakh, but supply remains limited, pushing prices up,” he said.
Several buyers at the market said that, although eating hilsa during Pahela Baishakh is a long-standing tradition, many are unable to afford it due to the high prices or are buying smaller quantities.
Besides hilsa, prices of other marine fish have also increased. White pomfret is selling at around Tk 1,400 per kilogram, while black pomfret is priced at Tk 800. Coral fish is being sold at varying prices depending on size, reaching up to Tk 900 per kilogram, traders said.
Traders attributed the price hike to reduced fish catch from the sea, increased transportation expenses and seasonal demand. They, however, expressed hope that prices might stabilise after the Pahela- Baishakh period.
Overall, despite rising demand for hilsa ahead of the festival, limited supply continues to keep fish prices high in Cox’s Bazar markets.
By Mohammad Morshed:
Photo: Hussain Shetu
