Despite the peak season for hilsa fish, Khulna markets are experiencing a significant shortage of the prized fish, creating challenges for both consumers and traders. The scarcity has led to a steep increase in prices, making it difficult for ordinary buyers to afford hilsa, while traders struggle to secure sufficient supplies.
Fishermen, who should be reaping the benefits of the season, are returning with disappointingly small catches. As a result, prices have surged, and even Khulna’s largest hilsa traders at the well-known 4 Number Ghat have reported a significant decline in stock.
Abu Sayed, a fourth-generation hilsa trader, highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that this season has been unlike any other. He shared that only 3-4 maunds (40 kg makes maund) of fish are arriving daily, compared to the typical 200-300 maunds.
The Khulna Fisheries Department has attributed the scarcity to reduced river depths and insufficient rainfall, which have prevented the fish from entering the rivers in their usual numbers.
In local markets, the scarcity is evident in the pricing. Hilsa weighing 500-600 grams is currently being sold for Tk 1,000 to Tk 1,200 per kilogram, while larger fish, weighing up to 1.3 Kg, are fetching up to Tk 2,200 per kg. Retailers express concern that at these prices, selling fish has become unprofitable.
Consumers, like Manoj who visited Nirala Market, are frustrated by the situation. He expressed his disappointment, saying, “This year, I haven’t been able to buy hilsa for my children. The prices are just too high.”
As the shortage continues, both consumers and traders in Khulna are anxiously waiting for an improvement in the situation, hoping for better catches in the near future.
