Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jan 1: Egg prices in parts of Mumbai have surged to Rs 108–110 per dozen in select retail markets, barely weeks after crossing the psychological Rs 100 mark on November 25, traders said.
On December 31, eggs were selling at Rs 110 per dozen in Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri; Rs 108 in Bandra, Khar, and Dadar; Rs 96 in Borivli and Vikhroli; and around Rs 90 in wholesale-cum-retail outlets in Kurla, according to market data.
Traders attribute the sharp rise to a spike in festive demand for Christmas and New Year celebrations, combined with lower production and a cold wave in North India, resulting in what they describe as a “short supply” situation.
However, some wholesalers expect prices to ease slightly in the coming week as the peak consumption period tapers off.
Actor Khurshed Lawyer, famous for playing the Swami in Munnabhai MBBS, questioned the surge on social media, saying: “Impossible to understand how and why eggs’ price today is Rs 108 a dozen considering poultry farms have opened by the kilo across India AND breeding/growth is done via injections/artificial means.”
He added that shop shelves are full, and the rising consumption is largely driven by changing dietary perceptions and a growing fitness culture. “Many people now see eggs as vegetarian, and gymming trends have pushed protein consumption,” he noted.
The surge in prices is not limited to eggs. Chicken costs have jumped to Rs 280–320 per kg, while goat mutton is currently priced between Rs 850–1,000 per kg, with boneless mutton reaching Rs 1,400 per kg, unsettling Mumbaikars amid rising non-vegetarian staple costs.
Altaf Ahmed Khan, of Ahmed Eggs Merchant, whose father chairs the Mumbai Egg Traders Association, said festive demand and cold weather have sharply boosted consumption. “The NECC wholesale rate is Rs 710 for 100 eggs, while our shop retails them at Rs 90 per dozen,” Khan said, adding that retail prices vary by locality and home delivery.
Khan further noted that prices are expected to soften post-festivities, as sales decline after New Year celebrations.