Kolkata: Hilsa lovers in Kolkata have reason to cheer ahead of Durga Puja, with prices of the much-loved fish witnessing a noticeable decline across several markets in the city.

Fish that was selling for around Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200 per kg just a few days ago is now available for around Rs 600 to Rs 700 per kg in some markets.

Fish traders in Ballygunge and Sealdah said 800 to 900-gram hilsa is being sold at Rs 600 to Rs 700 per kg, particularly when the fish is carrying roe.

Prices, however, vary depending on the size, source and freshness of the fish.

Kolkata hilsa prices market-wise

  • Patipukur: 600-700 gram hilsa costs around Rs 700 per kg.
  • Patipukur: 800-900 gram hilsa costs around Rs 1,000 per kg.
  • Patipukur: Roe-bearing fish can be cheaper.
  • Ballygunge: Small and medium hilsa costs around Rs 600-700 per kg.
  • Ballygunge: Around 1 kg roe-bearing hilsa costs Rs 800-900 per kg.
  • Gariahat: 800-900 gram hilsa costs around Rs 900-1,000 per kg.
  • Gariahat: Fish weighing more than 1 kg costs around Rs 1,500-1,600 per kg.
  • Gariahat: 2 kg hilsa costs around Rs 1,800-2,000 per kg.
  • Maniktala: 800-900 gram hilsa costs around Rs 1,000 per kg.
  • Maniktala: Ganga hilsa of the same size costs around Rs 1,000-1,100 per kg.
  • Sealdah Baithakkhana: 500-600 gram Raidighi hilsa costs around Rs 700-800 per kg.
  • Sealdah Baithakkhana: In some places, the price is around Rs 100 lower.
  • Sealdah Baithakkhana: Slightly larger fish costs around Rs 900-1,000 per kg.
  • Lake Market: No reliable September 19 retail price was available.

Where does Kolkata's hilsa come from?

  • South 24 Parganas: Important supply centres include Diamond Harbour, Kakdwip, Namkhana and Patharpratima.
  • Diamond Harbour: Smaller hilsa reaches Kolkata and other parts of Bengal through its wholesale market.
  • East Midnapore: Digha and nearby coastal areas are also important sources.
  • Digha: Earlier reports showed 500 gram to 1.5 kg hilsa selling for around Rs 600-1,500 per kg.
  • Howrah: The wholesale market is an important supply point for Kolkata.
  • Bharuch, Gujarat: 700-800 gram hilsa was sold wholesale at around Rs 800 per kg.
  • Bharuch, Gujarat: 900 gram to 1.1 kg fish was priced at around Rs 1,000-1,100 per kg wholesale.
  • Retail markets: The same Gujarat fish was being sold for around Rs 1,300-1,500 per kg.

Why do hilsa prices vary?

Hilsa prices depend primarily on the size of the fish, its source, and whether it is fresh or has been stored in cold storage.

Traders say hilsa from Diamond Harbour, Myanmar and the Padma is particularly sought after in Kolkata.

Fish from Gujarat tends to attract comparatively lower preference among local buyers.

As a result, two hilsa fish of similar weight can have significantly different prices depending on where they came from, their freshness and whether they contain roe.

With Durga Puja approaching, the fall in prices is likely to bring some relief to hilsa lovers looking to add the seasonal favourite to their festive menus.