Soybean meal and maize price rises push up egg costs
Eggs are getting pricier across India, mostly because feed ingredients like soybean meal and maize are costing way more.
Soybean meal is up over 40%, and ethanol production is making maize harder to get.
As a result, producing a single egg now costs ₹5.20-₹5.50, compared to ₹4-₹4.50 earlier.
Farmers cull hens to cut costs
To cope with rising costs, farmers are culling older hens sooner and reducing the number of new chicks, so expect fewer eggs for a while.
In Maharashtra, prices have jumped 40% in the past year to ₹7.50-₹9 per egg, since local supply falls short and nearly one-half the eggs come from other states.
Premium brands may price eggs ₹20-₹25
Brands like Eggoz and Country Chicken Co. aren't immune; their production costs could push prices up to ₹20-₹25 per egg.
Strict feed standards mean they can't easily cut corners on quality.
Relief might come with new crops later this year, but high ethanol demand will likely keep feed (and egg) prices up for both producers and buyers.