Before Baisakh, the price of hilsa skyrockets, there is a crisis in the market

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Yugantar Report, Kuakata (Patuakhali)

Ahead of Pahela Baisakh, the price of hilsa has increased abnormally in the wholesale fish market of the tourist center Kuakata and fishing port Alipur-Mahipur. While small and medium sized hilsa are limited in the market, large hilsa has become almost scarce.

It has been seen on the ground that Hilsa weighing 900 to 1100 grams is being sold at Tk 1 lakh 10 thousand to 1 lakh 20 thousand per maund. The price of 700 to 800 gram hilsa is 80 thousand to 90 thousand taka, 400 to 600 gram hilsa is 60 thousand to 70 thousand taka and small jatka is being sold at 30 thousand to 35 thousand taka.

This boom in the wholesale market has had an impact on the retail market as well. Hilsa is being sold at high prices in various markets of the district, including the New Market of the city, about which ordinary buyers have expressed their anger.

Fishermen said that fishermen are not able to catch enough fish due to oil shortage. Along with this, the 58-day fishing ban starting from April 15 and the increased demand around Baisakh – all together reduced the supply of hilsa in the market.

Mahipur Bhai Bhai Arat seller Md. Shah Alam Howladar said, there is not much hilsa found in the sea. Due to the oil shortage, many fishermen are unable to go to sea. Prohibition against him – all in all, we are under pressure.

Buyers who come to buy hilsa. Rahim said, I was surprised to see the price of hilsa. It seems more expensive than gold. If you ask for a lower price, the sellers say that even hilsa fibers cannot be found at that price.

Former president of Mahipur Matsya Arat Cooperative Society and Chairman of UP. Fazlu Gazi said that Hilsa is caught in the sea less than the demand. There is also an oil crisis. Despite the Boishakh demand, the supply in the market is low, so the prices are high.

Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Apu Saha said that the demand for hilsa increases every year on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh. But at present the supply is not normal due to low catch in the sea and fuel shortage. That is why the price has increased.