Bangladesh government has approved the export of 1,200 tonnes of hilsa to India on the eve of Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community.

The Ministry of Commerce issued a notification on September 8 inviting applications from interested trading firms to participate in the export process.

The notification also set the minimum price of hilsa at $12.5 per kilogram, equivalent to Tk 1,521 per kg.

The authorised quantity of hilsa for export this year is significantly lower than previous year, when 2,420 tonnes were allowed to be sent to India.

Domestic prices of hilsa have continued to rise in recent years, making it increasingly difficult for the average Bangladeshi to enjoy the popular fish.

Despite the current peak fishing season, prices have surged sharply this year.

In city markets, hilsa weighing more than one kilogram is being sold for between Tk 3,000 and Tk 3,500, while smaller fish under one kilogram are fetching between Tk 1,300 and Tk 2,100, depending on size.