The halt in fish exports has significantly impacted the availability of popular fish varieties such as Padma Ilish (hilsa from the Padma River) and Dhakai Pabda. These varieties, known for their authenticity and distinct flavor, have become scarce, leading to soaring prices. Padma Ilish, once available for Rs 3,000 per kilogram, has seen prices skyrocket, with local alternatives like Gujarati Ilish failing to satisfy the discerning tastes of the Bengali community.

Local fish vendors at CR Park report that the shortage of Bangladeshi fish has forced them to turn to Indian-origin varieties, which many residents consider inferior in quality. “Most Bengalis prefer the authentic taste of Bangladeshi fish, and the local varieties just don’t compare,” a shopkeeper explained. This has resulted in not only higher prices but also a noticeable decline in fish quality, prompting some customers to switch to alternatives like chicken and eggs.

The crisis has also hit local restaurants hard. Eateries such as Oh! Calcutta in Greater Kailash 3 have been compelled to adjust their menus, reducing portion sizes and tweaking recipes to cope with the inflated costs and dwindling supplies.

The situation has been further complicated by increased border tensions and stricter immigration controls, which have disrupted trade between India and Bangladesh. With the Durga Puja festival approaching—a time when hilsa is a staple dish—the fish shortage and price surge have raised concerns about the celebrations being affected.

Consumers have expressed their frustration, noting that prices have surged while the quality has declined. As the Durga Puja festival draws near, the community remains anxious about the potential impact on one of their most significant cultural celebrations.

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Hilsa flocks are swarming the entire fish landing center in different parts of the country. There is a flurry of activity among fishermen as they buy and sell hilsa of varying sizes.

Due to hostile weather, the fishermen returned twice within seven days of going to sea after a long 65-day blockade. This time, however, they are trying to overcome the crisis after seeing Hilsa in the sea. Their happiness over Hilsa also extends to their satisfaction with the price.

Ejaz Molla, executive director of Molla Fish, Alipur Fisheries Landing Centre, said deep-sea fishermen bring hilsa in droves and fetch good prices. The price of 40 kg jatka today is 21 thousand taka (USD 210), hilsa of 600-700 GM is 28 thousand (USD 280), hilsa of 800-900 GM is 36 thousand (USD 360), and hilsa over 1 kg is 50 to 70 thousand taka (USD 500-700). Although fishermen are satisfied with these prices, wholesalers often suffer losses due to quite high prices.

Apu Saha, the Senior Fisheries Officer for Kalapara Upazila, said, “Bangladesh deep-sea fishing trawlers have been returning with hilsa in droves over the past few days. In contrast, coastal fishermen do not receive the hilsa they desire. This is primarily caused by divers forming in Andharmanik and Ramnabad channels, which have changed the migration course of the Hilsa.”

He also added, “The 65-day blockade has benefited the fishermen. Therefore, it would be beneficial for coastal fishermen to develop fishing gear for deep seas.”

Jaber Bin Abdul Bari
Department of Oceanography, NSTU

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