The price of chicken and eggs has increased after the increase in fuel oil prices. Many have turned to the fish market to meet the demand for meat. But bad news for the fish market too. The price of fish in the market is also high now. A kg of cheap fish like tilapia and pangash, known as poor people’s fish, has now increased to over Tk 200. The buyers are worried about meeting the demand of non-vegetables.

On Tuesday, after visiting several markets of Moghbazar, Tejgaon and Mohakhali in the capital, it was found that the fish market and mobile fish traders in these areas are charging higher prices than a week ago. The price of pangas, tilapia and roe fish has increased by Tk 50 to Tk 60 per kg. The price of other fish also increased.

After visiting several markets, it is known that last week, the price of large tilapia fish sold at Tk 140 to Tk 160 per kg, yesterday the price has increased Tk 200 to Tk 220. And 120 to 130 taka per kg cultivated pangash is now being sold at 160 to 180 taka. And 200 to 220 taka for 50 kg weighing 2.5 to 3 kg.

The price of roe fish has increased more among other fish. The price of rui fish above 2 kg has increased from 300 to 350 taka per kg. The small sized roe fish below one kg which used to be sold at Tk 220 to Tk 240 per kg, now it has increased to Tk 260 to Tk 280. The asking price of medium sized roe fish is Tk 400 to Tk 450 per kg. Katla fish is being sold from Tk 250 to Tk 400 depending on the size. The price of this fish has also increased by Tk 20 to Tk 30 per kg.

According to Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute or BFRI sources, out of the total amount of fish produced in the country, motadag accounts for 11.55 percent, roe fish 11 percent, tilapia 9.69 percent, silver carp 7.3 percent and catal 7.5 percent. Traders said that the supply of fish in the market is also less due to the increased cost of transportation.

The prices of farmed Pabda, Kai, Shin fish have also increased in the market. Pabda is being sold at Tk 350 to Tk 450 per kg, large size at Tk 250 to Tk 300 and horn fish at Tk 400 to Tk 550 depending on the size. Compared to a week ago, the price of these fish is 30 to 50 taka more per kg. Meanwhile, even though it is the season of hilsa, the price of this fish is out of reach. Depending on the size, the price of hilsa is between Tk 700 and Tk 1,800 per kg.

Shamim Hossain, a fish trader in Mohakhali raw market, told Prothom Alo, “There is less supply of fish other than hilsa in the market. Again, increasing the price of fuel increases the cost of transportation, so the price is higher.