123 Kolkata: Egg prices in Kolkata surged to Rs 8 per piece on Thursday, driven by changing dietary habits and heightened demand for cakes during the festive season. Traditionally avoided in summer, eggs become a staple in winter diets, further fuelled by Christmas, year-end celebrations, and New Year festivities. Limited supply from Andhra Pradesh, a major egg supplier, has compounded the issue, leaving a significant gap between supply and demand.
According to Madan Mohan Maity, secretary of the West Bengal Poultry Federation, Kolkata's daily requirement of eggs ranges between 80 lakh and one crore. During Dec, consumption spikes by an additional 20-30 lakh eggs daily due to the tradition of home-baked cakes among Kolkatans. This shortfall necessitates importing eggs from neighbouring states, which has pushed prices upward.
"Both fish and mutton are now expensive, making eggs a more affordable protein alternative. This seasonal demand-supply gap causes prices to rise, but they are expected to stabilise early next year as production improves," said Sujit Ghosh, an egg dealer.
West Bengal's daily egg consumption is pegged at 2.8 crore, while local hatcheries produce 2 crore eggs. The remaining demand is met by imports, predominantly from Andhra Pradesh. However, fluctuating temperatures in late Nov and early Dec caused substantial chicken mortality, affecting egg production.
"If the temperature declines steadily, egg production is likely to improve," said a hatchery owner. Despite a 25-30% drop in supplies, Maity expects the situation to normalise in a couple of months as the chicken population recovers. He also clarified that the price hike is more due to increased operational costs and investments in revival rather than an outright scarcity of eggs.
The festive season further amplified the demand for eggs in Kolkata's bakeries. Sheikh Wasim Queder, owner of Raj Bakery, said, "During the peak cake season, we prepare cakes in two ways—producing large quantities for stocking and accommodating custom orders brought in by customers, especially from the Christian community. This pressure is so high that we stop biscuit production entirely."
Retailers have also felt the pinch. Satyajit Sinha Roy, an egg trader at Lake Market, said, "Since Kali Puja, wholesale prices have risen by over Rs.1 in stages. Yesterday, I was selling eggs at Rs 7 each or two for Rs.13. Today, the price increased to Rs 8 per egg or Rs 15 for two."
Retailer Arindam Pradhan added, "The price rise reflects increased carrying costs. Fifteen days ago, a crate of 210 eggs cost Rs 1,300. Eight days ago, it rose to Rs 1,370, and today, it's Rs 1,450."
The consistent rise in prices is indicative of the growing demand, influenced by festive baking and evolving winter consumption patterns. With every kilogram of cake requiring about 30 eggs, the trend underscores the strong link between winter festivities and egg prices.