Egg prices soar by Tk20 per dozen over a week

The price of eggs has jumped by at least Tk20 per dozen over the past ten days in Dhaka's retail markets, further growing the burden of rising food inflation on consumers.

A dozen brown farm eggs were selling for Tk140–145, up from Tk120–125 ten days ago. In comparison, white eggs are retailing at Tk130–135 per dozen. 

The price hike has also trickled down to wholesale markets, with brown eggs going for Tk130–135 and white eggs for Tk120 per dozen at Karwan Bazar kitchen market.

During visits to markets in Moghbazar and Shahjadpur today (3 August), it was found that prices had risen by Tk10 even compared to two days ago, when brown eggs were priced at Tk130–135.

Over the past week, egg prices have gone up a bit. Traders at retail markets attributed the hike in prices to increased demand following continuous rainfall, which has pushed up the prices of vegetables. 

"When prices of fish, chicken, and vegetables rise, people buy more eggs as an alternative protein source. That drives the price up," said Md Abdul Matin, an egg seller from Shahjadpur.

Consumers are feeling the pinch. Atikur Rahman, a resident of Moghbazar, said he paid Tk145 for a dozen eggs last night. "Prices of vegetables and chicken are already high, and now eggs have become dearer too. It's becoming harder and harder to maintain household expenses," he told The Business Standard.

Meanwhile, prices of other protein sources have also edged higher. Broiler chicken were selling at Tk170–180 per kg, while Sonali chicken costs Tk310–320 per kg.

Despite the hike, some traders believe the new rates may finally offer relief to egg producers.

"Egg producers have been suffering losses due to high production costs. These prices are allowing them to break even or make a small profit," egg seller Matin added.