Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Nov 15: The price of eggs has surged, adding to the increasing cost of vegetables and fruits, burdening consumers in the district.

Last week, an egg was priced at Rs 7, but this week it has risen to Rs 7.50. Firoz, an egg merchant from Adi Udupi, stated that the wholesale price alone is Rs 6 per egg. Due to rising demand, the price has increased.

Firoz explained, “The cost of chicken feed has risen significantly, increasing production costs for poultry farmers, which has pushed up egg prices. With Christmas approaching, eggs are in high demand as a key ingredient in cakes, so prices may rise further. For the past six months, egg prices have been fluctuating, and now fewer consumers are buying due to the increased cost.”

Srinivas, a consumer, said, “We usually give boiled eggs to children for their nutritional value, but with the current price hike, we can afford it only once a week.”

Consumers had turned to eggs as an alternative due to the rising cost of vegetables following heavy rains. However, the recent price increase of eggs has added to their concerns. Despite Diwali being over, the prices of vegetables and fruits have remained high. Typically, vegetable prices rise during festivals and drop afterward, but this year, the high rates have persisted.

Anand, a vegetable vendor near Udupi service bus stand, remarked, “The supply of vegetables in the wholesale market has decreased, keeping prices high. Heavy post-monsoon rains in vegetable-growing regions led to crop damage, further increasing prices. The rates are expected to stay the same for at least two more weeks.”

Consumer Chandrashekhar added, “Vegetable prices have increased significantly this year. Some vegetables are still priced above Rs 50 per kg. The cost of ash gourd and sweet potato has remained high for several months.”