AGARTALA, April 11 (TIWN): Hilsa prices are in hike ahead of Bengali New Year i.e. "Pohela-Baishakh".

At Battala market the prices of Hilsa recorded with Rs. 1000/- per kilo today, whereas it may be again up on April 14 and 15 as without Hilsa fish Bengalis' New Year celebrations are never satisfied. 

The delicious Hilsa fish is a traditional item on the menu of celebration. But due to the soaring price of Hilsa, it is gradually vanishing from the menu of the fixed income people. On the day of Pohela Baishakh (April 15) the Hilsa has been sold at a rate of Rs. 2, 500 per Kilogram earlier in Tripura and the skyrocketing price has become headache for the middle class and poor families.

Recently, Tripura Commerce Body Chief ML Debnath has raised the issue of unavailability of Hilsa in Tripura, whereas if via import business the Hilsa could be introduced in the state markets, the prices would be downed.

Now, Hilsa fish business is based on illegal imports and sometimes the Hilsa fish are coming via other states, leading heavy costs of the Hilsas across markets.