The price of hilsa fish has significantly decreased in Chandpur’s fish markets due to an uptick in supply over the past few days. Consumers are now enjoying a price reduction of Tk 200-300 per kilogram, making this popular fish more accessible to budget-conscious shoppers.
Chandpur Fish Landing Ghat, a well-known fish landing point located near Boro Railway Station, has seen an influx of larger hilsa consignments from southern districts. The increased supply has led to a bustling market environment, with daily arrivals reaching at least 1,000 maunds of hilsa brought in by trucks, pickups, and trawlers.
During a recent visit, it was observed that the price of a one-kilogram hilsa has dropped to Tk 1,500 from the previous Tk 1,800. Meanwhile, the coveted Padma River hilsa is now being sold at Tk 1,600 per kilogram, down from Tk 1,900.
The majority of the hilsa supply comes from southern regions such as Bhola, Luxmipur, Ramgati, Borguna, and various islands, according to traders at the ghat. This surge in supply has also provided much-needed work for local laborers who were previously facing idle periods.
In addition, ice factories near the ghat have ramped up production to meet the demands of the increased fish consignments. The distribution of hilsa from Chandpur to distant districts like Dhaka, Gazipur, Sylhet, and others has also seen a notable rise.
Local customers, including Shah Alam and Mostafa, have expressed satisfaction with the more affordable hilsa prices, which now fit within the budgets of lower and middle-income groups. The online sale of fresh hilsa has also surged, according to traders like Sajib Kr Das and others.
The Fish Merchants’ Association reports that approximately 100 packs of hilsa and other fresh fish, valued at about Tk 0.5 million, are being dispatched daily to various locations via private courier services. Over the past few days, fish parcels worth around Tk 1.0 million have been sent to distant areas through these services and by bus, underscoring the growing demand for hilsa across the country.
