Over 99 tonnes of hilsa exported to India through Benapole ahead of Durga Puja

Around 99.86 tonnes of hilsa have been exported to India over the past ten days ahead of Durga Puja.

The information was confirmed by Sajib Saha, quarantine officer at Benapole Port's Fish Inspection and Quality Control Centre.

According to the Fish Inspection and Quality Control Centre, each exported hilsa weighed at least one kilogram. The export price has been fixed at $12.50 per kg, equivalent to around Tk 1,525.

Hilsa exporter Tareke Rahman said Bangladesh produced 529,487 metric tonnes of hilsa in the 2023–24 fiscal year.

Despite production falling well short of domestic demand, the government has allowed exports during Durga Puja on "special consideration" since 2019.

This year, the commerce ministry has approved 37 companies to export hilsa, with all shipments required to be completed by October 5.

Aminul Haque, Vice President of the Benapole Import-Export Association, said completing shipments within such a short window will be challenging.

"Last year, 79 firms were permitted to export 2,450 tonnes, but only 636 tonnes were actually shipped through Benapole and Akhaura ports combined, with 532 tonnes via Benapole alone," he noted. "This year, with lower supply and higher prices, exports are likely to remain limited."

Benapole port Director Shamim Hossain added that despite the Puja holidays, special arrangements will remain in place to facilitate hilsa exports to India.

On Saturday alone, the latest consignment of 12.86 tonnes of hilsa was exported through Benapole port, he added.