Egg prices in Hyderabad have surged in recent weeks,significantly impacting household budgets. Retailers attribute this spike to a combination of reduced production during the summer months and an imbalance between supply and demand.
Mohammed Kaleem,who operates the Taj Chicken Centre in Yousufguda, noted that he began selling eggs at ₹7 each on June 20. He explained that his procurement cost from farms is ₹6.50 per egg, and after accounting for breakages and other expenses,he has little margin left. “What we have been informed by poultry farms is that production is low,which is leading to the increase in prices,” he said.
Similarly, in Secunderabad, Srinivas, who runs the Sneha Chicken Centre, reported a noticeable price increase over the past week. He is currently selling dozen eggs for ₹82,which breaks down to about ₹6.80 per egg. “I have not made any profit on this for the last week,” he remarked, adding that many birds have died due to the heat,contributing to the production decline.
Data from the National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC) reveals a steady rise in wholesale egg prices throughout June . Prices started at ₹5.55 per egg from June 1 to June 6,then increased to ₹5.60 on June 7,and continued to rise,reaching ₹6.35 by June 20.
At a chicken centre in West Marredpally, proprietor Ramesh observed that customers have been increasingly concerned about the frequent price hikes. He noted that with the onset of rainy season, egg consumption has surged, further straining supply . “Demand has increased but supply has not kept pace, which is causing prices to rise,” he said.
A poultry farm operator expressed concern over the ongoing low production levels and warned that prices might escalate even further. He indicated that several small poultry farms have shut down recently,leaving only larger players in the market . “There is hardly any increase in production happening in poultry farms. Prices may rise even further. Many small farms closed down and only bigger companies survived. They are now in a position to influence the market,” he stated.
