Once a staple for the middle class, hilsa fish in Bangladesh has become increasingly out of reach due to rising prices, despite a doubling in production. While the country produces most of the world’s hilsa, supply increases haven’t led to lower prices; instead, the fish has become a luxury item monopolized by elites.
Production growth has slowed in recent years, and hilsa has become a diplomatic tool in trade with India. Recently, the Bangladeshi government approved the export of 3,000 tons of hilsa to India for Durga Puja, reversing an earlier ban due to high domestic prices. As prices soared—from Tk 500-1,200 per kg in December 2022 to Tk 800-1,600 in recent markets—common people found it increasingly scarce.
Experts highlight that the supply of hilsa is low, with fishing activity declining. This has contributed to illegal smuggling and increased prices, which do not benefit the average consumer. The dynamics of hilsa trade indicate that while it is a prized catch in India, its significance is primarily limited to the Bengali community there.
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