Padma Hilsa Arrives in Kolkata Ahead of Durga Puja

The highly anticipated Padma Hilsa from Bangladesh has arrived in Kolkata just ahead of the Durga Puja festival. While retailers and consumers are delighted to see the fish, the sky-high prices have left some traders concerned.

On the early morning of Thursday, 18 September, Padma Hilsa reached the retail markets of Kolkata via the city’s wholesale hubs.

• First Day Observations:
  The initial batch attracted relatively low demand among small-scale retail traders in Kolkata and its suburbs due to the steep prices.

Traders have also raised concerns regarding competition from Gujarat Hilsa, which is more widely available locally. According to them, consumers accustomed to paying ₹500–600 per Hilsa are unlikely to purchase the Padma Hilsa priced between ₹1,700–2,000.

The first consignment entered India through the Benapole border on Tuesday night, transported in eight trucks carrying 38 metric tonnes of Padma Hilsa.

• On Thursday morning, these trucks reached the Howrah wholesale market.
• Retail fish sellers from Kolkata and Howrah participated in auctions to procure the fish.
• Many small traders expressed disappointment at the wholesale prices.

According to traders, the wholesale rates on the first day were as follows:

• Retail prices are expected to be higher than wholesale rates.
• However, these prices are not final and may fluctuate based on supply and demand.

Syed Maksud Anwar, Secretary of the Hilsa Importers Association, highlighted the supply issues:

• Limited Landings: Bangladesh’s Hilsa landings are low, preventing sufficient import quantities.
• Alternative Supply: Gujarat Hilsa is currently serving as an alternative for consumers, which could influence price variations based on availability and demand.

Traders further noted:

• Bangladesh’s Ministry of Commerce has permitted 1,200 metric tonnes for export.
• However, exports are scheduled only until 5 October, leaving a narrow window for import.
• Consequently, it is unlikely that more than 500 metric tonnes of Hilsa will be imported during this period.

While the arrival of Padma Hilsa is a festive highlight, traders are cautious due to high initial prices and limited supply. Consumer demand may increase only once prices stabilise in retail markets over the coming days.

This year’s Durga Puja market sees the interplay of premium Padma Hilsa and locally sourced Gujarat Hilsa, shaping both pricing trends and consumer preferences.