Rising prices of eggs, chicken and fish hit household budgets in Kolkata ahead of festive season
One of the most notable increases is in the price of eggs, with the cost per piece rising from Rs 6 to Rs 7. Fish prices have surged by an average of Rs 100 per kilogram, while chicken prices have seen an increase of Rs 20 per kilogram.
Wholesale egg suppliers are grappling with a staggering rise of Rs 150 per box, containing 210 eggs, coupled with an additional cost of Rs 70 to Rs 80 per box for quality checks. As a result, the procurement cost of eggs has reached approximately Rs 6.2 per piece, prompting sellers to raise their prices.
Larger quantities may receive discounts, with wholesale rates fluctuating between Rs 6.3 and Rs 6.8 per egg.
Madan Maity, the general secretary of the WB Poultry Federation, told TOI that the price surge is not due to a supply shortage, stating, «It is not true that the price has increased because the supply is less; the production cost has increased, so the farmers have increased the price, resulting in a steep spike in the retail price of eggs.»
Wholesaler Tarit Saha also highlighted the adverse impact of the monsoon season on the egg market, with spoilage and wastage during transportation contributing to the inflation. The quality of eggs has suffered during this period, leading to higher wastage rates and squeezing profit margins.
Meanwhile, other protein-rich options have also experienced price surges.
Mutton prices, for instance, are currently ranging between Rs 780 and Rs 800. A trader at Gariahat, Ershad Quiresy, noted that standard meat prices have remained stable for the past three months.
Chicken prices have seen an unusual increase in the past 15 to 20 days, currently standing at Rs 260 per kilogram.
