Some 99 tons of ilish had been exported to India through Benapolce land port in two days at a price lower than the local market rate.
The export of ilish to India started through the Benapole land port in Jessore on Thursday ahead of the Durga Puja
Each kilogram of ilish is being exported at $10 or Tk1,180, which is higher than to local price. Ilish of the same size was selling at Tk1,650 to 1,700 per kg in the wholesale fish market in Jessore on Thursday, which is up by Tk500 from the export rate.
The same ilish was being sold for over Tk2,000 per kilogram in the town's retail markets which means local consumers are paying about Tk900 more compared to the export price to India.
Some 99 tons ilish have been sent through the port over two days, as confirmed by port sources.
On Thursday, 54 tons and 460 kilograms of ilish were exported in 20 trucks. By Saturday afternoon, 45 tons and about 200 kilograms had been cleared for export.
Aswadul Alam, an inspector at the Fish Inspection and Quality Control Centre of the Benapole land port, stated that only the officials from the National Board of Revenue (NBR) can answer the pricing discrepancy.
He noted that the export price was set several years ago based on market rates at that time, and it has remained unchanged since. However, he suggested that the price could be adjusted to align with domestic market rates.
Ismail Hossain, general secretary of the Fish Traders Association in Navaran market, expressed confusion over the lower export price, questioning how ilish is being exported at $10 (Tk1,180) when the local market price is Tk1,650.
Rashedul Sajib Nazir, deputy director of Benapole land port, reported that by Thursday night, 54 tons and 460 kilograms of ilish were exported in 20 trucks. As of Saturday afternoon, 45 tons and 200 kilograms had been exported in 15 trucks. Thus, the total export to India in two days amounted to 99 tons and 660 kilograms.
Overall, 2,420 tons of ilish have been approved for export through various ports, and exporters must complete shipments to India by October 12, as per the directive from the Ministry of Commerce, he said.
The Ministry of Commerce initially decided to allow the export of 3,000 tons of ilish for the upcoming Durga Puja but later reduced it to 2,420 tons.
A total of 49 firms have been authorized to export ilish, with 48 firms exporting 50 tons each for a total of 2,400 tons, and one firm exporting 20 tons.
