Fish, veggies burn a hole in pocket this Bhai Phonta
Times of India | 4 November 2024
Kolkata: With Bhai Phonta celebrations underway, Kolkata witnessed a notable increase in fish prices, driven by seasonal demand-supply fluctuations, and logistical challenges. The price surge has affected premium fish like hilsa and pomfret as well as commonly consumed varieties, straining the budgets of households celebrating with traditional fish dishes.
The demand for fish and chicken began increasing around the puja, pushing prices up further for Bhai Phonta as supply struggled to keep pace. Contributing factors include reduced availability of hilsa and other marine fish, and a limited influx of freshwater varieties like rui and katla.
"Bhai Phonta wouldn't feel complete without a range of fish and meat dishes. But with their prices soaring, we've had to adjust our budget drastically," said Arunima Haldar, a teacher from Behala.
Fish traders also point to the interplay of local challenges affecting supply. Amar Das, a trader at Lake Market, said, "Prices are high due to limited supply and increased demand during festive season but they may stabilize in the coming weeks."
Among the most notable price increases is the coveted ilish, now priced at Rs 2,400 per kg, up from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,100 a month ago. Supply issues and diminishing monsoon stocks have driven prices upwards. Imported ilish price has similarly increased, now costing up to Rs 1,800 per kg. Large pomfret has jumped to Rs 1,000 per kg from Rs 800, and bhekti to Rs 650 from Rs 500-Rs 550. Prawns are also costlier, with golda priced at Rs 850 per kg and bagda at Rs 1,150 per kg — up from Rs 650 and Rs 850-Rs 900, respectively. Live tangra prices have also surged from Rs 1,000-Rs 1,100 to Rs 1,200 per kg.
Mid-range fishes like big rohu, katla and pabda have also seen price rises, with rui at Rs 250-Rs 260 per kg, katla at Rs 320 and pabda reaching Rs 650 per kg. Rohu, often a more affordable option, has also become pricier, climbing from Rs 450 to Rs 550 per kg.
Vegetable prices are similarly high, adding to the festive season inflation. Winter vegetables like peas, cabbage and cauliflower have surged, with peas reaching Rs 300 per kg and cauliflower Rs 50-Rs 60 each at Gariahat and Maniktala markets. Staple ingredients such as garlic and onions are also costly, at Rs 380-Rs 400 per kg and Rs 60-Rs 70 per kg, respectively. Even daily essentials like potatoes have seen price hikes with Jyoti potatoes priced at Rs 35 per kg and Chandramukhi at Rs 40.