Winter demand pushes up egg prices across AP

Egg prices have gone up across Andhra Pradesh with the onset of winter, putting pressure on household budgets as demand has risen sharply while production has remained steady.

At retail markets, eggs are selling for Rs 7–8 each, while country chicken eggs, which are in short supply, are priced between Rs 15 and Rs 20 each at some outlets. Traders said the rise in demand is largely driven by household consumption and bakeries.

Andhra Pradesh contributes nearly 20% of India’s total egg production, supplying over five crore eggs per day. While the wholesale price is around ₹640 per 100 eggs, retailers are charging higher rates, citing seasonal demand, increased exports, and rising input costs. Demand from neighboring States such as Odisha, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh has also risen, leading to greater outward movement of eggs.

Egg prices have risen earlier than usual this winter due to strong demand from young people, children, and bakeries, said Nirmal Kumar, an egg trader in Visakhapatnam. At retail counters, a single egg costs ₹8, while a country chicken egg sells for as much as ₹20 because of high demand and limited supply.

Bakery owners said egg consumption peaks between December and January as cake orders increase, with preparations beginning in late November. Poultry farmers said falling temperatures over the past week have further boosted demand, even as production has remained largely unchanged. Rising costs of poultry feed and medicines have added to production expenses, pushing up prices.

Andhra Pradesh is currently facing a shortage of country eggs, which are preferred for their quality and higher protein content. Consumers, including lakshman, said prices of both vegetables and eggs have been rising over the past week, adding to household expenses.