After overcoming several obstacles, the export of Hilsa to India through the Benapole Port has commenced ahead of the upcoming Durga Puja.
On Thursday (26 September), 54 tonnes of Hilsa were exported through 10 companies, with a per kilogramme export price set at 10 US dollars or Tk1,195 in the Bangladeshi currency.
As of Friday (27 September), the silver Hilsa from the Padma River began to appear in various Kolkata markets.
According to a report by Anandabazar Online, the fish started selling in Howrah’s wholesale markets from Friday morning, priced between Rs1,450-1,600 per kilogramme.
However, traders have indicated that these prices may fluctuate depending on supply and demand.
To date, Bangladesh has exported a total of 54 tonnes of Hilsa to India, with further consignments expected to arrive in the coming days.
The arrival of Padma’s Hilsa has delighted Kolkata’s traders ahead of Durga Puja, although retailers remain uncertain whether the prices will be within reach for the middle class.
Sukumar Mallick, a fish seller at a local market in Howrah, mentioned that the wholesale price of Hilsa stands at Rs1,700 per kilogramme, meaning prices could increase further in the retail market, raising concerns about customer interest.
Kolkata Fish Importers Association Secretary Syed Anwar Maqsood suggested that if supply increases, Hilsa prices might decrease before the Puja, making the fish more affordable for the middle class.
Bangladesh has granted permission to 49 exporters to ship a total of 2,420 tonnes of Hilsa to India, with the condition that the export must be completed by 13 October.
The Padma River Hilsa is renowned for its unparalleled taste and aroma and is highly popular across both Bengals.
During Durga Puja, Hilsa is often a key item on the menu for guests in West Bengal.
Although Hilsa was previously listed as a regular export item, the Awami League government halted its export in 2012 due to production shortages. However, since 2019, the Sheikh Hasina administration allowed Hilsa exports during Durga Puja as a special gesture.
Following the ousting of the Awami League government in 2024, the interim government assumed control.
Indian traders had already requested Hilsa imports ahead of the Puja, and the new government initially stated that exports would only take place after fulfilling domestic demand.
However, just six weeks into office, the government of Dr Yunus granted permission for Hilsa exports, citing broader economic interests.
A Supreme Court lawyer filed a petition to stop the exports, but despite these challenges, the process has now begun.
Last year, permission was granted to export 3,900 tonnes of Hilsa, though only 663 tonnes were actually shipped.
Finance and Commerce Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed stated that this year's decision to export Hilsa was made in the nation's greater interest.
According to BBC data, approximately 12% of Bangladesh’s total fish production consists of Hilsa, contributing nearly 1% to the country’s GDP.
Bangladeshi fishermen catch around 600,000 tonnes of Hilsa annually.
Figures from the National Board of Revenue (NBR) indicate that 476 tonnes of Hilsa were exported to India during the 2019-20 fiscal year, followed by 1,699 tonnes in 2020-21, 1,230 tonnes in 2021-22, and 1,391 tonnes in 2022-23.
In the most recent fiscal year of 2023-24, 802 tonnes were exported. Over the last five years, a total of 530,000 tonnes of Hilsa have been exported to India.
