Hyderabad: Egg prices in Hyderabad have witnessed a sharp increase after remaining largely stable for nearly three months, adding to the rising cost of essential food items for consumers. Wholesale egg prices, which had stayed around Rs 80 per dozen since early August, have climbed rapidly over the past few days, first reaching Rs 90 and now touching Rs 96 per dozen. The surge has also impacted retail markets, where consumers are now paying between Rs 7.50 and Rs 8 per egg, compared to the earlier price of Rs 6 to Rs 7. The sudden rise has increased household expenses at a time when the prices of several other daily necessities are also moving upward.

According to traders and poultry farmers, the increase is mainly due to a shortage in egg supply caused by lower production and a decline in the number of birds at poultry farms. Reports of bird deaths, reduced productivity and higher poultry feed costs have affected overall egg output, making it difficult to meet market demand. Retailers say supplies reaching Hyderabad markets have reduced considerably, forcing wholesalers to raise prices and leaving shopkeepers with no option but to pass on the higher costs to consumers. They added that steady demand despite reduced arrivals has further contributed to the price hike.

Industry representatives believe the increase reflects broader challenges faced by the poultry sector, including rising production expenses and limited availability of birds. They also pointed out that the latest jump in egg prices comes as consumers are already dealing with higher prices of other essential commodities. Fine rice, for instance, has become significantly more expensive over the past month, with prices rising from around Rs 5,600–6,400 per quintal to nearly Rs 6,600–8,000 per quintal. The combined rise in food prices is expected to put additional pressure on household budgets unless supply conditions improve in the coming weeks.