Staff Reporter

Pangasius and tilapia were once among the most affordable fish options for low-income households in Bangladesh. However, rising prices are now putting additional pressure on ordinary consumers. These fish are selling for Tk 200 to Tk 250 per kilogram in markets across the country, including the capital, forcing many low- and middle-income families to reduce the amount of fish in their daily meals.

In markets across Dhaka, pangasius is selling for Tk 180 to Tk 220 per kilogram, depending on size. Medium-sized tilapia costs around Tk 220 per kilogram, while larger fish are priced at Tk 240 to Tk 250. As a result, even relatively inexpensive fish are becoming less affordable for many consumers.

Ershad Ali, a carpenter living in Rampura, Dhaka, has reduced the amount of fish he buys to manage expenses for his family of four. He said varieties such as rohu, catla, boal and shing had long been beyond his budget. Although he previously relied on pangasius and tilapia, rising prices have made it difficult to buy them regularly.

Ali said he occasionally buys half a kilogram of cut pangasius when it is available at the market. He also tries to buy smaller tilapia when prices are lower. However, he can no longer afford to purchase fish as frequently as before.

Dulu Mia, a garment worker who shops at Malibagh Market, faces a similar situation. Although buying fish for his family remains important, rising prices have forced him to reduce the quantity he purchases. He still buys pangasius or tilapia once or twice a week, but brings home less fish than he used to.

Rising Production and Transportation Costs Push Up Prices

Fish sellers attribute the price increases to rising costs at various stages, from production to marketing. They say higher fish feed prices, fuel expenses, transportation fares and additional costs throughout the supply chain are contributing to rising retail prices.

Abul Kalam, a fish seller at Karwan Bazar, said the cost of hiring a truck to transport fish had increased from Tk 15,000–16,000 to Tk 20,000 or more. Additional expenses have further contributed to higher market prices.

Aminul Islam, a seller at Badda Market, said sales had declined as prices increased. Many customers who previously bought one or two kilograms of fish are now purchasing only half that amount. The decline in sales has also put small traders under financial pressure.

Pangasius and Tilapia Account for Significant Production

Pangasius and tilapia play a major role in Bangladesh's farmed fish supply. According to the Department of Fisheries, the country produced 405,000 tonnes of pangasius and 354,000 tonnes of tilapia in the 2023–24 fiscal year. Combined production reached 759,000 tonnes.

Large quantities of these fish are farmed in Mymensingh, Jashore, Bogura, Rajshahi and Cumilla, among other regions. Their substantial production has long made them important sources of dietary protein for ordinary people.

However, high production offers limited benefits to consumers if prices remain beyond their purchasing power. When low-income households reduce their fish consumption, concerns arise over the adequacy of animal protein in their daily diets.

Experts associated with fisheries research say reducing fish feed costs and controlling production expenses through research and effective initiatives are essential.

Industry stakeholders believe that lowering production and supply-chain costs could help keep fish prices at more affordable levels. Without such measures, pangasius and tilapia, once regarded as accessible options for low-income families, may become increasingly difficult to include regularly in their meals.