Egg prices rise in Kerala: A chicken egg now costs Rs 9.50, duck egg Rs 18

Alappuzha: The prices of chicken and duck eggs are soaring across Kerala, with increased demand ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations contributing to the hike.

Over the past two weeks, the price of a chicken egg has risen by Rs 2, while that of a duck egg has increased by around Rs 3. A chicken egg now costs up to Rs 9.50, while a duck egg is priced at up to Rs 18.

Two weeks ago, chicken eggs were selling at Rs 7.50 each and duck eggs at Rs 15. Traders attribute the increase partly to bulk purchases and stockpiling of eggs for making cakes ahead of the festive season.

With demand expected to rise further as Christmas and New Year approach, traders anticipate another increase in prices in the coming days.

The rising cost of poultry feed has also contributed to the increase in egg prices. A bag of chicken feed, which previously cost between Rs 1,800 and Rs 2,000, now costs Rs 2,760. A shortage of maize, one of the key ingredients in poultry feed, has further pushed up prices.

The increased use of maize in ethanol production is believed to have reduced its availability for poultry feed manufacturing. This has driven up feed costs, adding to the overall cost of egg production.

Traders say the combination of higher production costs and strong market demand is driving the current surge in egg prices.