Hilsa industry sees fisherman losses in Bangladesh and price drops in Kolkata

The hilsa fishing industry is experiencing significant volatility across the region. In Bangladesh, fishermen and trawler owners in areas such as Barguna report heavy financial losses during the peak season of July through September. Trawler owners have described returning from the Bay of Bengal with minimal catches despite spending millions of taka on expeditions, leading some to suspend fishing operations entirely.

In contrast, consumer markets in Kolkata, India, are seeing a decline in hilsa prices ahead of the Durga Puja festival. Prices for medium-sized fish have dropped from approximately Rs 1,000–1,200 per kg to between Rs 600 and Rs 700 per kg in several markets, including Ballygunge and Sealdah. Prices continue to vary based on fish size, freshness, and whether the fish contains roe.