West Bengal: Slump in local supply, festive demand make hilsa pricier, rates cross Rs 2,000
At a time when the demand for hilsa is on a high with the festive season round the corner, the shortage in supply of Bengali's most-revered fish has led to its prices head north. The demand for hilsa-which is being sold at the local markets between Rs 1,000 a kg to Rs 2,500 a kg, depending on the variant on offer-has increased ahead of Viswakarma Puja and 'Ranna Puja' (a ritual of cooking food overnight to feast over stale dishes). Challenging weather conditions hindering fresh catch has added to the shortage woes.