Fish prices surge in Jhalakathi amid sea-fishing ban

The prices of all types of fish have surged by 20 to 30 taka per kilogram within a week in Jhalakathi, hitting ordinary consumers hard. Traders attribute the price hike to a supply shortage caused by the ongoing marine fishing ban, though local officials maintain that district markets rely primarily on local aquaculture.

A retail market visit on Thursday revealed sharp price increases across the board. Depending on size, Tilapia is retailing at 220 to 250 taka per kg. Pangas, which sold for 160 taka last week, has jumped to 180–200 taka. Poya is selling at 500 to 550 taka, cultivated Shing (horn fish) at 400 taka, and Koi at 250 taka.

Furthermore, Pabda and Rui are fetching 350 to 400 taka per kg, while Katla is priced at 400 taka. Small-sized Hilsa and various shrimp species have climbed significantly, now retailing between 800 and 1,000 taka per kg.

Local fish traders explained that the sea-fishing ban halted the supply of marine fish, putting immense pressure on freshwater alternatives. They expect prices to cool down once the ban ends. Meanwhile, frustrated buyers noted that the sudden spike has made meeting their daily protein needs difficult, and they demanded strict government market monitoring.

Contradicting the traders, Jhalakathi Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Sayeda stated that the marine blockade does not directly impact the local market. She noted that while a few fishermen from Rajapur fish in the sea, Jhalakathi's demand is overwhelmingly met by local fish farms. However, she noted that Thursday marks the final day of the blockade, and anticipated a price drop in the coming days.

As the marine fishing ban expires at midnight tonight (June 11), fishermen are preparing to return to sea. Market insiders expect fish supplies to gradually recover and prices to normalize by the weekend.