In just six days, the price of eggs has increased by 10 BDT per dozen. Last Thursday, a dozen eggs cost 160 BDT, but by Wednesday, the price had risen to 170 BDT. Vendors attribute this price hike to a shortage in supply.
A visit to various markets in Dhaka, including Agargaon, Talatola, Mohammadpur Agricultural Market, Town Hall, and Kathalbagan, revealed that farm eggs—both brown and white—are being sold at 170 BDT per dozen, up from 160 BDT last week. In some areas, sellers are charging 2-3 BDT less. However, in most cases, the price has increased by 10 BDT per dozen across the city.
At Karwan Bazar, the price remains slightly lower, with eggs being sold at 165 BDT per dozen.
Shimul Mia, an egg vendor at Talatola Market, explained that the wholesale supply of eggs has decreased, leading to higher prices for retailers. On Tuesday, he purchased eggs at 13 BDT each from wholesalers and sold them for 14 BDT after including transport and handling costs, resulting in a price of 168 BDT per dozen. However, many consumers have to pay up to 170 BDT.
According to data from the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), egg prices have increased by over 13% in the past year. In July, eggs were priced between 145-150 BDT per dozen. Prices remained stable in August, but began rising in September, reaching 170 BDT by the end of the month.
The Department of Agricultural Marketing previously set a recommended price of 142 BDT per dozen for farm eggs on September 16. However, eggs are being sold for 23-28 BDT more than that in the market.
Experts believe that due to the lack of government support, small-scale farmers are not getting fair prices, which has led to a decline in the number of farmers. A price-controlling syndicate still exists, and the government has yet to break it.
Taher Ahmed Siddiqui, president of the Bangladesh Egg Producers Association, noted that the combination of a few days of rain followed by intense heat has reduced egg production, resulting in lower supply and higher prices.
Source: RTV
