Price of Eggs Reach New Record High
January 2, 2025 | Investopaper
Egg prices in Nepal have reached new record highs, despite claims of self-sufficiency in egg production. Since mid-December, prices have been consistently increasing, with producers citing insufficient supply as the reason for the hikes.
On Mangsir 15, the price for medium eggs was set at Rs 440 per crate, while large eggs were priced at Rs 455. By Mangsir 21, these prices rose to Rs 455 and Rs 470, respectively. Further increases were noted on Mangsir 28, with medium eggs priced at Rs 470 and large eggs at Rs 485.
The trend continued into Poush, with prices rising again on Poush 4 to Rs 485 for medium eggs and Rs 500 for large eggs. On Poush 12, the prices reached their highest levels yet, with medium eggs at Rs 500 and large eggs at Rs 515.
Retail prices have also surged, with consumers now paying up to Rs 25 per egg.Producers argue that the price increases are justified due to rising production costs and decreased output, attributing a significant portion of the price rise to feed costs.
Reports indicate that around 60 percent of farmers have exited the business since the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a drop in daily egg production from approximately six million to around two million. This has created a supply-demand gap of about 10 percent.
Despite government claims of self-sufficiency in egg production, many consumers are feeling the pinch as prices continue to soar. The Nepal Layers Poultry Farmers Association insists that these price hikes are necessary given the current market conditions and production challenges.