Chittagong Hilsa Catch Surges to 1500 Tons While Retail Prices Remain High

CHITTAGONG — Despite a significant surge in hilsa catches along the coast of Chittagong, market prices remain prohibitively high for consumers, raising concerns among local authorities and residents.

Official data from the District Fisheries Office indicates that nearly 3.5 million hilsa, totaling 1,572 metric tons, were harvested from the Chittagong coast and surrounding rivers in July. The trend has continued into August, with the Sandwip Channel serving as a primary hub, accounting for approximately 103 metric tons—or roughly two-thirds—of the total July yield. Approximately 80 percent of the catch originated from the sea.

Despite these figures, retail prices in Chittagong city markets have failed to stabilize. As of Friday, small jatka—juvenile hilsa—are retailing for 900 taka per kilogram. Fish weighing between 700 and 800 grams are priced between 1,200 and 1,500 taka, while one-kilogram specimens fetch nearly 2,000 taka. Larger fish, exceeding 1.5 kilograms, are being sold for over 3,000 taka per kilogram.

Fisheries officials attribute the high catches to the current lunar cycle, specifically the new moon, which increases fish migration and access for vessels. However, traders and fishermen cite rising operational costs, particularly for fuel and boat maintenance, as the primary driver behind the inflated retail prices. At the Rani Rashmoni Ghat, fish are sold for 620 to 640 taka per kilogram, but transport, brokerage, and intermediate handling costs significantly drive up the final price at the retail level.

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Chittagong District Fisheries Officer Salma Begum acknowledged that while fishing costs have risen, the current volume of the harvest—particularly off the Anwara coast—should theoretically lead to a reduction in market prices. She confirmed that local authorities are actively monitoring landing sites to ensure fair pricing.

Consumers are increasingly frustrated by the market conditions. Mohammad Ismail, a private sector employee at Kazir Deuri market, noted that even smaller fish, often weighing less than 500 grams, remain unaffordable for many families, forcing them to seek cheaper alternatives.

Shah Mohammad Morshed Kader, the Senior District Agricultural Marketing Officer, stated that the supply chain is being closely scrutinized. He emphasized that if any unreasonable price hikes are identified during the distribution process, punitive measures will be taken against those responsible for market manipulation.