Egg prices soar in Karimnagar amid festive demand and shortages

Egg prices in Karimnagar have risen sharply by Rs 1 to Rs 1.5 per piece, defying the usual decline during Kartika Masam. Poultry deaths, increased exports to other States, and cold storage hoarding ahead of Christmas and New Year are driving the surge. Karimnagar, a major poultry hub producing 75 lakh eggs daily, is facing reduced local supply despite high demand.

Karimnagar: The price of eggs in Karimnagar has shot up sharply, with each egg becoming costlier by Rs 1 to Rs 1.5 in recent days.

A majority of Hindus do not consume non-vegetarian food, including eggs, during the holy month of Karthika Masam, and prices usually decline during this period. However, despite Karthika Masam, egg rates have continued to rise.

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The large-scale death of chickens in the recent past is cited as a key reason for the surge. Exports to other States and the stockpiling of eggs in cold storages ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations are also said to be contributing factors.

Except in exceptional situations, eggs are usually sold at Rs 5.30 to Rs 6. Prices tend to rise slightly when layer birds die in large numbers due to disease or heat during the summer. Normally, there is no major fluctuation.

At present, wholesale traders are selling eggs at Rs 6.30 each, while retailers are selling at Rs 7. A tray of 30 eggs, which earlier cost between Rs 150 and Rs 160, is now priced between Rs 190 and Rs 210.

A wholesale trader said eggs were earlier exported mainly to Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. However, traders from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have also begun sourcing eggs from Telangana since the State is recognised as a poultry hub.

They are reportedly offering an additional 50 paise per egg compared to local traders, prompting poultry owners to sell their stock to out-of-state buyers and creating shortages within Telangana.

Some traders are also believed to be creating artificial shortages by storing eggs in cold storages ahead of Christmas and New Year. Since eggs are an essential ingredient in cake preparation, the December demand surge is being used to make higher margins.

Speaking to Telangana Today, wholesale trader Srinivas said he used to sell 100 trays of eggs a day earlier, but the number has dropped to 50. Though he is ready to sell 100 trays, poultry owners are not supplying stock.

Karimnagar is a major poultry centre, with around 75 lakh eggs produced daily across nearly 350 farms in the erstwhile district.