High feed costs send egg prices soaring

Egg prices in the capital’s kitchen markets have been steadily rising, threatening to deplete an essential protein source for low-income people.

In the last two days, the price of this essential food item has risen by Tk 5-10 per dozen.

According to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), egg prices increased by 18 per cent compared to last month and 32 per cent compared to last year.

Traders say that due to the seasonal drop in production, the egg supply in the country has decreased.

Furthermore, rising feed costs are driving up egg prices in the retail market.

As a result, many producers have also left the business after suffering losses.

A visit to the various kitchen markets in the capital on Monday revealed that red farm eggs were being sold at Tk 125-126 per dozen, up from Tk 118-120 two days ago.

However, this same variety of eggs was being sold at up to Tk 130 per dozen in small grocery stores in the residential areas around the capital.

Meanwhile, white farm eggs were selling for around Tk 2-3 less than red eggs.

According to TCB, farm eggs were now selling at Tk 40-42 per four pieces, compared to Tk 33-36 a month ago. While it was Tk 30-32 around the same time last year.

Local chicken and duck egg prices have risen to Tk 150 per dozen in the capital’s Karwan Bazar and Tk 165 in the retail market.

Consumer-related experts have said that eggs are one of the major protein sources for low-income people as they can’t always afford fish or meat to supplement their diet.

As a result, low-income consumers are expected to suffer as egg prices are on a steady rise.

Meanwhile, the country’s egg production has declined, said Taher Ahmed Siddique, president of the Bangladesh Egg Producer Association.

He added that the current supply of eggs is insufficient to meet consumer demand, causing egg prices to rise.

“It’s possible that the upward trend in egg prices will continue until feed prices fall,” he also added.

According to producers, about 3.5 crore to 4 crore pieces of eggs is required to meet the daily demand in the country.