Egg prices rise sharply in state as winter demand surges
Bengaluru: The price of eggs has increased significantly in the city, adding pressure on household budgets. An egg that was selling for around Rs 6 only a few days ago is now priced at Rs 8 in many local stores, causing concern among consumers.
Winter usually brings higher demand for eggs, which leads to increased sales and a rise in prices. Over the past few days, egg prices have been climbing steadily. In major malls and online platforms, an egg is currently priced between Rs 6.95 and Rs 7.50. In neighbourhood grocery stores, the price ranges from Rs 7.50 to Rs 8.
With Christmas and New Year approaching, the demand for eggs used in cake preparation has also contributed to the price hike. Traders say supply has not kept pace with demand in the market. Additionally, bird flu last year discouraged many poultry farmers, reducing overall production and creating a shortage.
“About 2.20 crore eggs are produced daily in the state. A major portion is supplied to Goa, Maharashtra, and Kerala. Around 11 lakh eggs are used every day for value-added products. Karnataka also used to receive around 50 lakh eggs per day from Namakkal in Tamil Nadu, but this supply has now reduced,” said Sheshanarayana, Market Development Officer of the National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC).
Bakery owners say rising egg prices will affect hotels and bakeries. “With Christmas and New Year celebrations nearing, if prices are not controlled, the cost of cakes will also go up,” a bakery trader in Seshadripuram said.
Anganwadi services are also affected. “Due to the price rise, supplying eggs to children, pregnant women, and new mothers has become difficult,” said M. Jayamma, General Secretary of the Karnataka State Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Federation (AITUC).
Sheshanarayana added that Namakkal exports more than one crore eggs daily to countries like the US and Dubai, reducing local availability. He noted that wholesale prices are now around ₹6.75 per egg and may decrease after Sankranti if export volume reduces.
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