Dip in demand during Purattasi pulls down fish prices by 30%

CHENNAI: Fish prices in Chennai dropped by 20-30% on Sunday as the demand fell sharply during the Purattasi month, when many non-vegetarians turn vegetarians.

The day also coincided with Mahalaya Amavasai, considered auspicious by Hindus, further reducing purchases across city markets.

K Bharathi, president of the South Indian Fishermen Welfare Association, said the seasonal lull was expected. “Every Purattasi, most Hindus don’t consume meat and fish, so the demand naturally falls. With strong winds and an upper-air disturbance in the Bay of Bengal, many fishermen also stay ashore, leading to fewer trips and lesser profit. Several take up other work until the festival period ends,” he explained.

Vendors reported slower sales and smaller catches. B Sathish Kumar, who sells fish at the Chintadripet market, said reduced landings at the Kasimedu fishing harbour had a direct impact on city markets. “Business usually picks up only after the third week of October,” he noted.

Palani Sami, a vendor at Kasimedu, concurred, and added: “Weekends are particularly quiet as families abstain from consuming non-vegetarian food.”

According to MK Vijesh, president, Kasimedu Visaipadagu Urimaiyalargal Sangam (Boat Owners’ Association), only about half of the 800 mechanised boats ventured out to sea because of the weather and weak demand. “With fewer boats at sea, the supply of fish has come down and wholesale prices have eased. Seer fish, which sold for about Rs 1,200 a kilogram last week, is now around Rs 600. Retail prices are typically 10-15% higher,” he stated.