Despite the usual price hike ahead of the Bangla New Year, Hilsa prices have remained lower this year compared to the previous Eid season, boosting sales at markets across Dhaka.
The market dynamics for Hilsa fish have taken an unexpected turn this year. Traditionally, the price of Hilsa soars as the Bangla New Year approaches, but this year, the price has dropped slightly compared to before Eid, which has led to a surge in sales.
Visiting key markets like Nayabazar, Hatirpul, and Karwan Bazar on Friday, it was evident that the fish’s price had decreased, making it more accessible to buyers. Traders stated that the government’s strict market monitoring this year prevented anyone from selling frozen Hilsa at exorbitant prices, which has positively impacted the market.
Dulal Chandra, a fish vendor at Karwan Bazar, mentioned that although some might consider the price of Hilsa high, it is actually lower than last year. He added that prices had dropped by 200 to 300 taka per kilogram based on weight.
On Friday, Hilsa fish weighing 1 kg was being sold for 1,800 to 2,000 taka. A 1.5 kg Hilsa was priced at 2,600 taka, while a 1.3 kg Hilsa cost around 2,400 taka. Smaller Hilsa, weighing 800-900 grams, were selling for 1,600 to 1,700 taka, and fish weighing 500-600 grams were priced at 1,000 to 1,200 taka—generally 200 to 300 taka cheaper per kilogram than last year.
With the Bangla New Year just a day away, there’s been an increase in demand for Hilsa, as many people prefer to include it in their New Year’s celebrations. Despite the price decrease, the demand for Hilsa in Dhaka markets has risen in anticipation of the holiday.
Jai Chandra Das, a vendor at Karwan Bazar, observed that Hilsa sales had spiked around the Bangla New Year, although the price remained lower than expected.
In Hatirpul, fish trader Ramzan Ali noted that while the demand for Hilsa had increased, supply had been limited. However, the availability of frozen Hilsa before the Bangla New Year had brought prices down. He warned, however, that the demand might push prices up once the festival heat hits.
Ali Hossain, another seller, confirmed the increase in demand, stating that the market had seen a rise in sales. However, the price of Padma Hilsa, a popular variety, remained high, with 1 kg fish being sold for 2,400 to 2,600 taka.
A buyer at Nayabazar, Ramzan Ali, commented that while Hilsa prices are already high, they seem to have risen slightly in anticipation of the holiday.
Liberty News’ economic correspondent reports that Aklima Akter, a private sector employee, was at Karwan Bazar buying Hilsa for her children. She mentioned that the demand for Padma Hilsa was particularly high, but its availability was limited, and prices were considerably higher compared to other varieties. She also noted that the taste of Hilsa from other regions didn’t quite match that of Padma Hilsa, making it more desirable despite the price.
LND/BG
