Persistent rainfall and adverse weather have sharply reduced fish supplies in Kushtia, driving up prices of almost all varieties and leaving consumers struggling with higher household costs.
Traders said lower catches from rivers and other water bodies, coupled with reduced supplies from fish farms, had created a supply shortfall, pushing up wholesale and retail prices. Officials said they were monitoring the market to prevent any unjustified price hikes.
A visit to Kushtia Municipality Market on Saturday found strong customer turnout despite noticeably higher prices compared with the previous week.
Rohu, which sold for Tk270 per kg last week, was selling for Tk300-Tk350 per kg. Tilapia prices rose from Tk180-Tk200 per kg to Tk260-Tk270. Hilsa weighing between 700 grams and 1 kg was selling for Tk2,000-Tk2,500 each, while prices of other local fish had also increased.
Fish traders blamed the increase on weather-related supply disruptions.
Md Sohel, a trader at Kushtia Municipality Fish Market, said: “Continuous rain and adverse weather have reduced fish arrivals at the wholesale market. Demand is higher than supply, so we have to buy fish at higher prices. Prices should ease once supplies return to normal.”
Consumers said the price rise was putting additional pressure on household budgets.
A buyer, Zubayer, said: “Fish prices are much higher than usual. It has become difficult for middle-income families to manage their daily shopping. The authorities should regularly monitor the market to ensure that no one raises prices unreasonably.”
Abdul Mannan, Kushtia’s market monitoring officer, said the price increase was mainly the result of lower supplies.
“Fish supplies have declined to some extent, causing prices to rise. Prices are expected to return to normal once supplies improve. We are conducting regular market inspections to prevent any unjustified price increases,” he said.
