Some egg suppliers trying to create artificial crisis: FBCCI administrator

Though corporate entities are supplying eggs, some suppliers are still attempting to create an artificial shortage, said Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Administrator Md Hafizur Rahman.

He made the statement during a discussion with traders after inspecting the egg and chicken wholesale market in the capital's Kaptan Bazar today.

Hafizur said, "We've directed suppliers to keep the supply steady, and we're monitoring the situation. Any disruptions will be met with strict action."

Acknowledging that the rising price of eggs is a concern nationwide, the administrator said, "People are suffering because of the high prices. We observed irregularities in certain areas, which need to be addressed."

"We must uncover why some suppliers suddenly reduced deliveries," he added, calling on traders to work towards stabilising the market.

According to traders at Kaptan Bazar, corporate firms are supplying 7-8 lakh eggs daily, falling short of the market's daily demand of 15 lakh eggs. 

In response to recent price spikes, where egg prices surged to Tk175-180 per dozen, the government had called on corporate firms to assist in stabilising supplies. The firms then pledged to assist, and supplied 20 lakh eggs daily across Kaptan Bazar and Karwan Bazar, which brought prices down to Tk150 per dozen. 

However, the last 2-3 days have seen an uptick, with prices reaching Tk165 per dozen in some areas.

At the discussion, Hafizur said, "Do as much as you [traders] can to keep the market stable. FBCCI wants to see your active role in this matter. Provide the details of the suppliers. We will go there and conduct inspections."

On the matter, Nazrul Islam, former president of Egg Traders' Multipurpose Cooperative Society, said, "If we get eggs at the price fixed by the government and according to the demand, then the market will stabilise."

Khandkar Ruhul Amin, former director of FBCCI, said, "I will tell the corporate bodies to maintain the supply. We will not associate with dishonest businessmen. Legal action should be taken against them."

Today, FBCCI's Market Monitoring Cell, led by Hafizur Rahman, conducted market inspection activities and collected updated information on egg price and supply situation from traders.

During the visit, wholesale traders were selling each egg at Tk11.01, while in retail markets, broiler chicken eggs were priced between Tk155 and Tk165 per dozen. 

Broiler chicken prices also varied, with Kaptan Bazar retail prices reaching Tk180-185 per kg, whereas other Dhaka markets saw prices rise to Tk200 per kg.