Prices of hilsa have fell significantly in India’s West Bengal market following Bangladesh’s export of the fish to the neighbouring country.
On Friday (September 27) morning, each kilogram of hilsa was selling at Rs 1,450 to Rs 1,600 (around Tk 2,300) at Howrah’s wholesale market. Traders say the prices will fluctuate depending on supply and demand of the fish.
West Bengal has received 40 metric tonnes of hilsa from Bangladesh through the Petrapole border on Thursday (September 26). Another consignment of hilsa is expected to send India today.
Earlier this month, per kg hilsa was selling at 2,500 rupees in Kolkata, about 35 per cent higher than normal price. But even as supplies come in from Bangladesh, worries about the prices remain.
Hilsa prices range between Tk 1,300 and Tk 2,300 in Bangladesh’s markets.
“Hilsa prices are rising to 1,700 rupees in the wholesale market. This means, the fish will cost more at the retail level,” said Sukumar Mallik, a fishmonger at Howrah. “I’m not sure how many people will be willing to pay such high prices for the fish.”
Kolkata Fish Importers’ Association’s General Secretary Syed Anowar Maksud said an increase in supply before the puja will make the fish affordable for the middle class.
