Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Nov 21: Egg prices, which have been climbing steadily for the past fortnight, have now touched an all-time high of Rs 8 each. At the wholesale benchmark rate (Rakam rate), eggs are currently selling at Rs 7.20 apiece, egg traders and line-sale distributors confirmed.

Last Thursday, the wholesale benchmark rate (Rakam rate) stood at Rs 6.80 per egg; by Tuesday it had reached Rs 7, and on Thursday it rose again to Rs 7.20, setting a new price record. The highest rate in previous years was Rs 6.90, and that too only for two days, said Nityananda Shetty of Sunkadakatte, who has been in the egg trade for over 40 years.

With Christmas and the New Year approaching, traders expect prices to rise even further. As eggs are heavily used in cake preparation during the festive season, “a fresh spike is likely”, they noted.

Demand has surged due to increased supply to anganwadis, schools, and a higher number of events this month. Previously, maize was the primary feed for poultry, but maize prices have now risen sharply as it is increasingly consumed as food and used in processed products. With feed costs escalating, many poultry farms have suffered losses and shut down, traders said.

As a result, production has dipped. To meet local demand, eggs are currently being sourced from Davanagere and Mysuru, according to traders.