Hilsa prices soar in Indian fish market as import from Bangladesh stays shut

Hilsa diplomacy has been a significant diplomatic tool between Bangladesh and India, symbolizing goodwill and friendship. Padma Hilsa, a delicacy from the Padma River in Bangladesh, is a crucial component of Bengali cuisine, particularly during festive seasons like Durga Puja. However, the recent ban on Hilsa exports by the interim government of Bangladesh has caused a substantial increase in the price of the fish in India.

It is learnt that some of Indian fish sellers are reportedly importing Hilsa illegally to meet the demand of buyers during the upcoming Durga Puja festival and selling it at a price which is beyond the reach of the middle-class people. Even though hilsa from Haldia and Diamond Harbor of West Bengal are available in the market, but Padma Hilsa is always valued differently by the buyers. Talking to buyers and sellers of several markets in Kolkata, it is learnt that the price of hilsa varies by two to three hundred takas in the markets. But the price at which Hilsa has to be bought from the market is beyond the reach of the middle-class people.

Mohadev Saha, a fish wholesaler in South Kolkata’s famous Gariahat market, said he is selling hilsa at Rs 2,000 per kg. The size of a fish is at least one and a half kg. As a result, the price of a fish is around Rs 3000.

A wholesale fish dealer, who didn’t want to be identified, said, “Fish is coming to India illegally through secret channels. However, the quantity is very low compared to the demand. We have a long-time relationship with the Bangladeshi syndicate who sends the fishes. India is the largest importer of Hilsa.” It may be noted that before the Bangladesh government stopped exporting Hilsa to India, fresh hilsa was sold at Rs 1,200 to 1,500 per kg in Kolkata and Delhi.

But lately 1 kg Bangladeshi Hilsa is being sold at a price of more than Rs 3000 in Delhi, the capital of India. Meanwhile, various restaurants are also thinking of increasing the prices of Hilsa items in the menu card during the upcoming festival, which will put a huge strain on the customers’ pockets.

JK Fish Stall is the only company selling Bangladeshi hilsa in the southern city of Chennai, India. The owner of that store informed the media that his frozen stock of Hilsa is selling like hotcakes. About 100 kg of hilsa are being sold in a week, he said. The shop has increased the price of hilsa from Rs 1600 to Rs 2000 per kg.

“The price of raw hilsa is so high that we are forced to sell one piece of steamed Hilsa for Rs 500,” said Sukalpa Chakraborty, owner of a large restaurant in Jadavpur, Kolkata. It is needless to say that as Hilsa has stopped coming from Bangladesh, the delious symbol of prosperity and pleasure of Hilsa for Bengalis in India has become quite expensive during this festive season, he added.