The rising cost of eggs has become a pressing concern for many Indian families, altering their approach to this traditionally affordable protein source. Over the past six months, egg prices have escalated significantly, prompting households to reconsider their purchases. A recent survey conducted by LocalCircles, which gathered insights from over 67,000 consumers across 287 districts, indicated that 62 per cent of participants observed an increase in egg prices by 10-50 per cent or more during this period.

As the survey indicates, nearly half of the respondents, specifically 48 per cent, have altered their buying habits, either reducing the quantity or frequency of egg purchases. The survey revealed that 84 per cent of respondents reported some degree of price increase, with no respondents claiming prices had remained stable.

Responses revealed that 31 per cent of participants noted a price rise of 10-25 per cent, an equal 31 per cent registered an increase of 25-50 per cent, 22 per cent observed an increase of up to 10 per cent, while 16 per cent could not determine the rise. This widespread increase highlights a significant transformation in consumer behaviour across various regions.

Factors Contributing to Higher Costs

The increased price of eggs can be largely attributed to the hike in feed costs, which represent approximately 65-70 per cent of egg production expenses. The survey reported that the cost of maize, which forms 50-55 per cent of poultry feed, surged from about Rs 14,000 per tonne three years ago to Rs 26,500 currently. In addition, the cost of soybean meal has escalated from Rs 40,000 to Rs 65,000 per tonne, while de-oiled rice bran has increased from Rs 12,000 to Rs 22,000.

Moreover, the allocation of maize for ethanol production has intensified competition for this essential ingredient. Reportedly, maize supplied to distilleries increased dramatically from 8.3 lakh tonnes in 2022-23 to 125.75 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, with around 37 per cent of India’s maize crop now dedicated to ethanol. This shift further complicates the dynamics between food, animal feed, and fuel.

Besides feed costs, environmental factors have also recently impacted egg production. The survey noted that extreme summer heat led to the death of over 16.35 lakh birds in Andhra Pradesh, which has purportedly lowered the daily egg-laying capacity in the region by 30 per cent. Expectations suggest that supply pressures will continue through the winter months, traditionally a period of higher demand.

Consumer Concerns About Quality and Safety

Alongside rising prices, consumer apprehension regarding egg quality and safety has surfaced prominently. Approximately 70 per cent of survey respondents expressed significant concern about potential egg adulteration, with an additional 20 per cent somewhat concerned. Only 4 per cent of participants indicated minimal concern, while 2 per cent reported no worries at all.

This heightened concern follows the detection of antibiotic residues in a laboratory test commissioned by a consumer group. In response, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) initiated a nationwide enforcement effort. Although the FSSAI clarified that eggs remain safe for consumption, consumer anxiety persists, particularly regarding unbranded eggs lacking traceability of origin and quality.

As price pressures mount, consumers may gravitate towards the least expensive options, which could further obscure the sourcing information available to them, raising essential questions about food safety. This highlights the need for increased transparency in the egg market, especially under current economic conditions where many households adjust their consumption habits due to financial constraints.

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