fish price
Many establishments that usually absorb the routine 10%-15% seasonal rise are now considering increasing prices of select dishes by around 10%. On average, around 200-250 cartons arrive per flight, with each carton weighing 20kg. Large bekti weighing over 4kg is selling at around Rs 800 per kg while medium-sized fish are retailing at Rs 750 per kg and smaller local varieties at around Rs 700 per kg. Smaller pomfret weighing around 125gm is selling at Rs 750-800 per kg, while fish in the 150-200gm range are priced at around Rs 1,200 per kg.
Because of the steep increase in prices of hilsa, bekti, pomfret and prawns, restaurants specialising in Bengali cuisine said puja platters are likely to cost more. Because of a short supply of Bombay bekti and bhola fish, bekti, widely used in restaurants for fish fingers, fish tandoori and continental dishes, has also become costlier.
Aar and pomfret too are in short supply,” said Chayan Saha of Prince restaurant on Free School Street. Fish Importers’ Association secretary Syed Anwar Maqsood said traders had tried to source Bangladeshi hilsa for the festive season but were unsuccessful. We hope supplies will continue through the season,” he said. Those that offer fish fingers may go for basa but other items like fish tandoori and continental dishes like Fish Florentine will require bekti,” said NRAI Kolkata chapter secretary Manish Sharma.
“There is a perceptible decline in fish available in markets. Hence, price of all types of fish has increased. Apart from cultivated fish like rohu and katla, and freshwater fish like pabda, there is hardly any variety available. the price is extremely steep for the variety on offer While hilsa is in demand. “Myanmar hilsa is now our hope. Hilsa consignments are arriving by air twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays. The price shock is not limited to hilsa. “Usually fish price does go up during Durga Puja. But this year, it has been high for some months now and prices could possibly go up further as the feasting frenzy begins. In most non-Bengali restaurants and pubs, the highest demand is for chicken. In fish items, it is bekti and basa that is used. Pomfret, popular among festive shoppers and restaurant-goers, has also turned expensive.
A poor catch in the Bay of Bengal, limited supplies from Gujarat and Odisha, and the absence of Bangladeshi hilsa ahead of the festival have tightened the market just when demand is beginning to peak. Fish has always been central to puja indulgence, from home-cooked hilsa and prawn delicacies to restaurant platters and pub starters. This year, that festive spread will come at a higher price.