Coimbatore: The wholesale price of eggs in Namakkal, South India’s major egg-producing hub, has reached ₹6.10 per egg. This is the highest price ever recorded by the National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC), which sets egg prices. Reports suggest the price may rise further in the coming days.

According to the committee’s price list, the cost of an egg in Namakkal on November 1 was ₹5.40. Prices then increased daily: reaching ₹5.90 on November 15, ₹6.00 on 17th, and rising again on Thursday to ₹6.05. At the same time in previous years, the price was ₹4.65 in 2021, ₹5.35 in 2022, ₹5.50 in 2023, and ₹5.65 in 2024.

This is the first time in five years that egg prices in Namakkal have gone above ₹5.70. A strong domestic market and a slight dip in production are said to be the main reasons for the surge. In major neighbouring production centres, the price is even higher — ₹6.35 in Hyderabad and ₹6.60 in Vijayawada. Namakkal still has the lowest prices in South India, prompting buyers from several states to purchase more eggs from there, further driving up demand.

Although egg prices typically fall when the Sabarimala pilgrimage season begins, this year they have been rising daily. When the cake-making season picks up in December, prices are expected to climb even further.

Retail price reaches ₹7.50

In Kerala, the retail price of eggs has risen to ₹7.50. After adding loading and transport charges from Namakkal, wholesalers obtain eggs at ₹6.35 each, which they sell to small retailers at ₹6.70. By the time the eggs reach local shops, the price becomes ₹7.50.