Egg prices escalate to Rs 100 per dozen in Mumbai; no relief till January: Traders | Mumbai News

Mumbai egg prices hit Rs 100 per dozen. Production in South India has fallen. Demand is high due to winter and upcoming Christmas. Retailers and wholesalers report increased costs.

MUMBAI: The cost of the humble egg, a key source of protein, has escalated to an astronomical Rs 96-100 per dozen or Rs 8 apiece in retail shops citywide. Traders warn that no relief is imminent until mid-Jan. On Tuesday eggs sold for Rs 96 in Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri, Rs 96-108 Bandra, Rs 96-100 in Jogeshwari, and Rs 88 in a wholesale-cum-retail store in Mahim where sales volumes are large.
Thane’s Kalwa wholesalers sold for Rs 84. Raju Shewale, vice chairman, National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC)’s Mumbai zone, said, “Production has dropped significantly in South India owing to the onset of winter. The present wholesale rate for 100 eggs is Rs 650 and may rise to Rs 700-725 in coming days.”
In Bandra, Ayaz Khan of Aziz Broiler quoted Rs 96 per dozen while wholesaler Joseph’s sold them for Rs 90. The manager of Breadkraft in Lokhandwala said, “Consumption of eggs has increased in production areas itself, causing a shortage in despatches to Mumbai. Moreover, Christmas will see demand peak as eggs are used in baking cakes and goodies. So rates will remain high throughout December.”
Abdul Rahim, who owns House of Eggs in Mahim, said, “The wholesale price is Rs 6.75 per egg or Rs 675 per 100. The retail rate at my shop is Rs 88 per dozen but certain shops in Bandra are selling for Rs 108.”
This is affecting the dietary choice of low and middle income groups given that egg is a quick fix, filling meal that provides nourishment. “People are buying less in order to maintain their household expenditure. They are thinking twice whether to eat two eggs at breakfast. Even I feel sad to sell eggs at such a high rate,” said Rahim. “Traders are citing reasons like cold weather and increased consumption in Rajasthan, UP and other states. Even so, this time the rate has gone too high. We don’t know the exact reason.”
In Jogeshwari, Abdullah Dhaga of Isa Egg Traders said, “This is the highest rate of my lifetime. We are selling eggs in wholesale for Rs 7 apiece or Rs 84 a dozen. Until 2021-22 there was a seasonal price drop during Shravan, Diwali and fasting festivals. But now rates remain inexplicably high through the year.” Another trader pointed to an unregulated cartel of producers which is disposing of old stock citing shortages to drive fear in the market, thus causing traders to hoard eggs. “Winter has barely begun, how can production fall so drastically already,” he questioned.