Eggs become dearer in city markets

Egg prices have gone up in the city kitchen markets after the lockdown was withdrawn nearly a month ago. The prices of eggs rose by Tk 5 to Tk 10 per dozen, (or Tk 3 for per four pieces).

Traders say the demand for eggs has risen as restaurants and fast food stalls are operating on full swing, pushing egg prices up.

Business Insider Bangladesh got to know about the prices after visiting Jigatala kitchen market and Kawran Bazar in the capital, on Friday.

“Demand for eggs has increased significantly since the lockdown was gone. Restaurants are bakeries are using eggs a lot and egg traders have formed a syndicate and increased the prices,” said Zafar Ahmed, a wholesaler and retailer at Kawran Bazar.

“Though the prices of eggs have spiraled, it is yet to create any adverse impact on the market. Because most of the buyers buy eggs in their fours (hali) and do not notice a difference. But if you buy a dozen, the difference is tangible,” said Shamsuzzan, an egg retailer at Jigatla Vegetable Market.

“The supply of eggs in the market is limited and its prices go up a bit at this time of the year. Because the number of eggs laid by hens in summer falls,” said Bappi Hossain, an employee of an egg store at Tejgaon.

The prices naturally go up as there are not enough vegetables in the market at this time, he said adding prices of eggs have been increasing for the last 15 to 20 days.

Meanwhile, with the rise in egg prices, the broilers and local chickens have become dearer, too. The price of broiler chicken has gone up by Tk 10 per kg and golden chicken by Tk 20 per kg, respectively. Broiler chickens are being sold at Tk 140 to Tk 145 per kg and golden chickens at Tk 240 per kg.

Ashraful Alam, a chicken trader at Jigatala Vegetable Market told Business Insider Bangladesh that the prices have shot up as a response to reopening of restaurants and fast food shops, in the city.

Business Insider Bangladesh correspondent found a dozen white eggs of broiler chickens were being sold at Tk 100, while brown eggs at Tk 105 to Tk 110, respectively.

However, one hali (4) of eggs are selling at Tk 35 to Tk 38.

Meanwhile, duck eggs are selling at Tk 175 per dozen and four pieces at Tk 55 to Tk 60, respectively. Besides, a dozen of Pakistani chicken eggs are selling at Tk 140 to Tk 145.

Meanwhile, 100 brown eggs are selling at Tk 860 to Tk 865, and 100 pieces of white eggs at Tk 785.