Dhaka, Apr 17 (V7N)- A 58-day government ban on fishing in the Bay of Bengal has begun to impact markets in the capital, leading to a noticeable shortage of marine fish and a sharp rise in prices.

Despite the availability of frozen fish, prices remain high. Hilsa is currently selling for over Tk 3,000 per kg, while rui is priced at around Tk 350 per kg, pangasius at Tk 220, and pabda at approximately Tk 500 per kg.

Small fish are also expensive, with tengra selling for Tk 700 per kg and kachki at Tk 600, offering little relief to consumers.

The vegetable market is also under pressure, with prices increasing by Tk 20–30 per kg compared to last week. Common vegetables such as patal, beans, brinjal, lathi, jhingha, and barbati are now selling at over Tk 100 per kg.

Traders attribute the price hike to increased transportation costs, driven by the ongoing fuel crisis. However, consumers allege that market syndicates are manipulating prices and have called for stronger government monitoring.

In contrast, the poultry market has shown slight relief. The price of golden chicken, which recently surged to Tk 420 per kg, has now dropped to Tk 380–390. However, it remains higher than last month’s rate of around Tk 320 per kg.

Broiler chicken prices have also decreased slightly, now selling at Tk 180–185 per kg.

Meanwhile, the price of eggs—a key protein source for lower and middle-income households—remains high, with a dozen red eggs selling at around Tk 120.

With both fish and vegetable prices rising simultaneously, consumers in Dhaka are facing increasing pressure on their household budgets. Many are urging authorities to take immediate steps to stabilize the market and ensure fair pricing.

END/SMA/AJ