Hilsa prices jump as fuel costs rise amid Iran war

Fishing has resumed in the Meghna River basin following a 60-day ban to protect hilsa breeding, but rising fuel costs linked to the Iran conflict are pushing up both fishing expenses and fish prices.

Fishermen returning to the river from today (1 May) said they are now paying significantly more for diesel, cutting into earnings and forcing higher market prices for hilsa.

During a visit to Motirhat ghat in Lakshmipur, fishermen and traders said the global conflict is now directly affecting local livelihoods.

“The shock of war has now reached fishing communities,” said Md Shipon, a fisherman.

The fisherman further said he spent Tk290 on just two litres of fuel and went fishing for four hours, catching around 1kg of fish, which sold for Tk430. After a Tk70 commission, he received Tk360.

“After fishing for four hours, I earned only Tk70 after fuel costs. This is not enough to run a family of six. Where will we go? The Iran war has now reached the Meghna River,” he added.

According to Lakshmipur District Fisheries Officer Md Delwar Hossain, fishing in the Meghna sanctuary area remained banned until 30 April, with operations resuming from 1 May.

“However, due to rising fuel prices, an increase in hilsa prices is inevitable,” he said.

Another fisherman, Ali Hossain, said a group of five fishermen spent Tk3,000 on fuel and earned Tk5,000 from fish sales, leaving limited profit.

Market visits showed sharp price hikes. Smaller hilsa (around 200 grams) are selling at Tk800–900 for four pieces, while 300–400 gram fish are priced between Tk2,000 and Tk2,500. Larger hilsa weighing around 500 grams are selling for Tk3,200–3,300 per four pieces, and one-kilogram fish are fetching Tk8,000–10,000.

Trader Zahirul Islam said he sold around 4kg of hilsa for Tk11,200.

Fishermen said diesel prices have jumped from Tk105 per litre on 28 February to Tk145–Tk160 per litre after the ban period, significantly raising operational costs.

Fuel trader Bacchu Mollah said the impact of the Iran-linked fuel price surge is now being reflected in every fish caught in the river.