The price of eggs continued to climb sharply in Kerala fueling concerns among traders, suppliers, and consumers. Despite the onset of peak trading season, the availability of eggs remains critically low.

Retail egg prices, which previously ranged from ₹5 to ₹6 per piece, have now risen to ₹7. The price of native chicken eggs has increased from ₹7 to ₹8 or even ₹9. Duck eggs, once sold at ₹10 each, are now being priced at ₹12.

The shortage is particularly troubling as eggs are a staple component of meals provided in schools and Anganwadis. Kerala has long depended on supplies from Namakkal in Tamil Nadu and from Andhra Pradesh. However, declining production in those states has further worsened the shortfall.

A significant contributor to the crisis has been the impact of repeated bird flu outbreaks, which have led to severe losses in poultry farming. This has resulted in a marked decline in both large-scale and backyard chicken rearing. Many farms have either reduced or suspended operations.

Local traders report that they are unable to procure the required quantities from other states. For instance, against a request for two lakh eggs, they often receive only about 1.25 lakh. This mismatch leads to increased operational costs, as wages for transport workers must still be paid regardless of the reduced load size.

The rising cost of eggs has also left hotels and food stalls struggling. Many are unable to immediately raise the prices of popular egg-based dishes such as omelettes, egg curry, and egg roast, leading to a squeeze on margins.

Demand for native eggs falls

As prices have gone up, demand for native chicken eggs has declined significantly. White Leghorn eggs have seen a rise in preference due to their relatively lower cost. Duck egg sales have also dipped following the recent price hikes.