While it was hardly noticed, fish went off the market shelves in Dimapur recently. There was no cause attributed for the sudden disappearance but suspect that it would have been related to the usual “illegal taxation” or the recent strike by transporters in Assam. This time, however, the reason was somewhere else. 

If people in the trade are to be believed, a sudden spike in price at the source forced a temporary stoppage in supply. As claimed by one fish trader, the rate rose by 20 percent at the main supply source in Andhra Pradesh, affecting a rise of Rs 20-25 per kg. The hike was attributed to reduced production.

According to the trader, it occurred around the second week of February, with rising retail rates here. The cascading effect was not only felt by consumers but also the retailers, who reportedly were placed in a tight spot, having to placate angry customers on the sudden price jump. 

It put on halt bulk supply, which lasted for 4-5 days. “But trucks have started arriving since yesterday (April 7),” he informed. 
According to him, “At the current price at source, retailers cannot profit sell at less than Rs 185-190 a kg, and wholesalers cannot sell at less than Rs 165 a kg.”

Earlier, or till the February first week, he claimed that the wholesale price of the popular ‘Rohu’ in Dimapur was Rs 145-150 per kg and retailing at Rs 160-170 a kg. At present, he added that the retailers have to buy at Rs 170-175 from wholesalers. After accounting for taxes, statutory as well as extra-constitutional, and other logistics, they are hard-pressed to sell at near about Rs 200 a kg, he further claimed. 

He added, “We must also remember that size also matters in the fish business. The bigger the fish, the higher the price i.e. there is a relative rise in price. It implies that for a fish weighing more than 2 kilos, the price can range from Rs 200-250 a kilo.” 

The existing rate at source in Andhra Pradesh was said to be pegged at Rs 120 a kg. He said, “We buy at 120 a kg and spend around Rs 40-41 per kg for transport and taxes. When it reaches here, the cost works out to around Rs 162-163 a kg.” One truckload normally contains upto 10-12 tonnes.  

Queried on how illegal taxations are affecting business, he said, “It is continuing as usual. We well know we cannot do business here without forking out extra taxes.”