In Chennai, the fish prices have doubled now!!
Posted on: 19/Feb/2024 9:09:11 AM
If you go to the fish market, then don`t be surprised by the sudden increase in the price of the fish!!
The shortage in the arrival of fishes to the Chennai markets has led to the doubling in the prices of fishes now. As fewer fishes were caught by the fishermen, a kilo of vanjaram meen or seer fish increased from Rs 700 to Rs 1200. Until the annual fishing ban commences in TN, the rates are expected to remain the same. This was according to some fish traders now.
The changes in the sea pattern would lead to poor fish catching between the months of January and April every year and this despite more trawlers venturing into the sea to catch fishes. Truth is that less than 10 to 12 tonnes of fishes were caught and sent to the markets. Many customers thronged the fish markets on Sunday and this led to a huge demand for fishes. As a result of more demand, the prices were doubled. This was brought out by a wholesale fisherman at north Chennai based Kasimedu fishing harbour.
It must be noted that currently seer fish is sold for Rs 1200 per kg, red snapper for Rs 450 per kg, crab for Rs 450 per kg, para meen for Rs 450 to Rs 500 per kg, prawns for Rs 450 per kg and nethili meen for Rs 350 per kg. There was a brisk sale at the retail markets in Chennai yesterday. Point is that seafood rates increased by 10% compared to the wholesale prices.
As per another fisherman, till the annual fishing ban starts in TN the catching of fishes would be low. He added that until then the fish prices would remain stable or increase. It must be taken into account that after the ban period there would be more fish in the sea.
