Staff Reporter :
The price of hilsa continues to rise significantly, placing it increasingly out of reach for ordinary people. According to data from government agencies, the price of hilsa has increased by 35-36% compared to last year. Currently, consumers are paying between Tk 1,800 and Tk 2,000 per kilogram (kg) for good quality, slightly larger hilsa, up from Tk 1,300-Tk 1,400 at this time last year.
Additionally, the prices of farm chicken eggs in Dhaka’s kitchen markets have risen further. In retail markets, both brown and white eggs are being sold at Tk 165-Tk 170 per dozen on Friday, an increase from Tk 160-Tk 165 per dozen last week. While egg prices have not decreased, vegetable prices have seen a slight decline, with most vegetables now selling at Tk 30 to 40.
People are expressing dissatisfaction with the rising price of hilsa, particularly as it is peak season. Business insiders attribute the rising prices to several factors, including the role of intermediaries, syndicate activities, an imbalance between supply and demand, seasonal fluctuations, and news of exports.
They noted that the supply of hilsa fish has diminished relative to demand, resulting in higher prices. Additionally, they claimed that each level of the supply chain is making abnormal profits, further exacerbating the price hike.
To address these issues, stakeholders have suggested implementing new strategies to enhance hilsa production. They also emphasized the importance of strict market monitoring to control prices.
Recently, in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar, Segunbagicha, and other fish markets, prices for hilsa were as follows: 750-800 grams sold for Tk 1,400-Tk 1,500 per kg, 900 grams for Tk 1,500-Tk 1,600 per kg, and hilsa weighing over one kg priced at more than Tk 1,600 per kg.
Hilsa weighing between 1-1.25 kg is being sold at Tk 1,800-Tk 2,000 per kg, while hilsa weighing one and a half kg was observed at Tk 2,500 per kg.
Retailers indicated that this year’s prices are unusually high due to supply shortages. The government’s decision to allow exports has also contributed to price increases of over Tk 100 per kg.
In Lalbagh, Jhigatola, and nearby fish markets, more than 200 fish traders were seen purchasing hilsa from regions such as Monpura, Bhola, Mahipal, Feni, Chandpur, and Patharghata before selling them in local markets.
In the wholesale market, hilsa prices varied, with 1.5 kg of hilsa selling for Tk 1,800 per kg, one kg for Tk 1,600 per kg, 800 grams for Tk 1,450-Tk 1,470 per kg, and 500 grams for Tk 900 per kg.
According to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), the retail price of hilsa in various markets in the capital, including Mohammadpur, Shantinagar, and Mohakhali, was between Tk 800 and Tk 1,800 per kg on Thursday. A month ago, prices ranged from Tk 800 to Tk 1,600 per kg.