KOLKATA: Jamai Shasthi celebrations at Bengali households is likely to burn holes in the pockets, as fish prices have skyrocketed in the past few days. Ban on catching sea fish has affected retail market supply. However, the supply of rohu and katla has been stable in the city whole-sale markets.
On Friday large sized pomfret was being sold at Rs 1,200 per kg at Lake Market, nearly Rs 450 higher than the price a few days back. According to retailers the price of bhetki has also gone up by Rs 150 per kilo. Price of chitol, one of the favourites for culinary specialities, to has increased by Rs 150 per kilo to Rs 800 at present. Pabda is priced at Rs 500 per kilo, while tiger prawn has gone up by Rs 200 to Rs 1,200 per kilo.
Amar Das, a fish trader at Lake Market said that prices firmed up keeping Jamai Shasthi celebration in mind. “The prices may go up further during the weekend. But this will not continue for long,” he said.
Expecting a further spike in prices, several households have started buying fish a few days before the celebration. “It is better to stock a bit early as the prices may go up by Sunday. Hilsa, which weighs a little more than a kilo, is being sold at Rs 2,200 per kilo,” said Rajesh Thakur, a resident of Haridevpur.
According to Syed Anwar Maqsood, secretary of the Howrah Fish Market, there has not been any increase in the wholesale market. “We have been selling fish at the regular prices at the wholesale points. There is a supply crunch for sea fish from Poila Boisakh due to a ban. That will ease out soon. There is no reason why fish prices at retail markets are so high,” he said.
Fruits have also become dearer in the past few days, courtesy Jamai Shasthi celebration. Litchi which was being sold for Rs 80 per kilo a few days back is now being sold at Rs 120 per kilo. Himsagar mangoes are also being sold for Rs 120 per kg, dearer by almost Rs 40. Golap Khas variety of mango has touched Rs 150 mark at some markets.
