Barishal’s Port Road hilsa market is receiving far fewer fish than expected during the peak season, according to traders and fishers cited in a report published on August 22, 2026. The market, described as the city’s largest hilsa trading hub, normally receives more than 1,000 maunds daily in peak season but is currently averaging no more than 100 maunds a day. Fishers are reportedly selling their catches at river mouths and other convenient locations instead of bringing them to the market.

Traders and fishers alleged that higher tolls imposed by leaseholders have pushed sellers and wholesale buyers away. They said fish caught in rivers and at sea is being sent to Chandpur, Jashore and northern districts through other points. A trader said 100 maunds was the highest quantity landed at the market on Friday, while hilsa prices ranged from Tk800-900 for jatka to Tk2,850 per kilogram for 1.2-kilogram fish.

Leaseholder Kamal Hossain rejected claims that tolls were raised forcibly or that anyone was assaulted over the issue. He said the charge rose from Tk280 to Tk380 per maund after traders were consulted because operating the ghat caused losses. District Fisheries Officer Md Hadiuzzaman said hilsa availability was somewhat lower, citing submerged sandbars and banned nets as factors affecting fish movement, growth and production.