Fish prices drop due to cheap Hilsa

An increased demand for Hilsa amid an ample supply and considerably low prices has driven the prices of other fish down in the capital.

The prices of all types of fish have decreased by Tk50-150 per kg over the last one week. 

While on a visit to the capital's Rampura fish market on Thursday, The Business Standard found only 4-5 among a total of 15-16 fish shops were selling different types of fish. The rest of the shopkeepers were selling Hilsa only.

According to the sellers, Hilsa weighing 500 grams or less was being sold at Tk350-450 per kg. One kg of Hilsa weighing 650-750 grams was being sold for Tk550-600. The price of Hilsa weighing 900-1,000 grams was Tk700 per kg. Large size hilsa weighing 1.2-1.3 kilograms was being sold at Tk850-900 per kg.

Mofizul Islam, a Hilsa seller, said, "The supply of Hilsa is high and the price is low. People are buying more. That is why many people are selling only Hilsa fish."

Jamilur Rahman, who came to buy Hilsa, said, "The prices of all vegetables starting from onion, chili and potato are high in the market. Only Hilsa is a little cheaper."

The same situation prevailed in the Karwan Bazar kitchen market. Most of the fish shops there were selling only Hilsa. Hilsa was also available in almost all fish shops.

Fish seller Md Motaleb said, "As the demand for Hilsa is high, I am selling Hilsa only. The price of other fishes has also come down a bit."

Talking to buyers and sellers, it was learned that Mola and other small fish were being sold at Tk320-450 per kg, which was sold at Tk400-500 during the recent floods. 

Besides, Pabda was sold at Tk350-400, Rui at Tk250-320 depending on the size, small shrimp at Tk450-500, Koi fish at Tk150-160 and Tengra fish at Tk450-550.

Md Motaleb added that more fish are being caught now due to receding floodwaters in various rivers. Fish is also available from many canals and beels. At the same time, the supply of Hilsa is good. Overall, the price of fish is somewhat tolerable at present, he said.

However, there are no signs of fall in vegetable prices in the market yet. 

Various vegetables have been being sold at high prices for more than two and a half months. Most vegetables cost between Tk50-80 a kg. Among these, new beans are available in the market at Tk120-140 per kg depending on the market. 

The price of green chilies has not come down yet. You have to buy 25 grams of the kitchen item at Tk45-50.

Although the price of broiler chicken is low, eggs (farm) cost Tk110 a dozen. Whereas, one kg of broiler chicken is available at Tk125-130.