Egg price rises to Rs 6; to cost more in December

Officials from the National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC), Namakkal Zone, attributed the price rise to increase in demand and lesser supply and rising vegetable prices. Officials also predicted that there is a high possibility that the price might increase further in the next one month. Eggs are largely supplied from Namakkal zone, which is known as one of the biggest egg producing regions in the country. According to members of poultry farmers association, wholesale price of an egg was Rs 4.50 on Friday, but it increased to Rs 4.59 on Saturday. However, other wholesalers and vendors in the city sell the same for Rs 5.30 to Rs 6, citing cost of transportation. 

V Subramaniam, vice-president, TN Egg Poultry Farmers Association, said, “It is a fact that the price of eggs has increased in Namakkal and the impact has spread to other districts. It is possible for vendors to sell an egg for Rs 5 to Rs 5.30 but selling it for Rs 6 is unacceptable.” Speaking to DTNext, P Selvaraj, Chairman, NECC, Namakkal Zonal, maintained that compared to other states, egg is being sold for the minimum price only in Tamil Nadu. “Usually, price of egg during winter season increases. Moreover, the consumption level has increased, as price of vegetables has already skyrocketed,” he said, adding, there is mismatch in demand and supply. 

“As of now, around three crore eggs are being produced per day at Namakkal zone alone, but the demand surpasses supply during winter season. Chances remain high that price of eggs might increase in the next one month,” Selvaraj asserted. Meanwhile, wholesalers in Chennai are seeking it at the rate of Rs 5.30 per egg, while small vendors are selling it at Rs 6 per egg. “Considering the transport charge, we sell an egg for Rs 5.30,” said a trader from a private egg wholesale company in Broadway.