Residents of India's major metropolitan hubs are facing a significant pinch in their household budgets as the price of eggs has soared to unprecedented levels. A perfect storm of seasonal factors and rising demand has pushed retail prices beyond ₹7 per egg in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, marking a dramatic increase for a staple protein source.
The Anatomy of a Price Surge
The current crisis is driven by a fundamental mismatch between supply and demand. On the supply side, the winter season has severely impacted the laying capacity of hens, a well-known annual phenomenon. Colder temperatures typically lead to a reduction in egg production. This seasonal dip has been compounded by other factors, creating a tighter than usual supply crunch.
Simultaneously, demand has intensified from multiple fronts. The need for nutritious, protein-rich food during the cooler months, coupled with the ongoing wedding season and a continued focus on immunity-boosting diets, has kept consumption high. The All India Poultry Federation has pointed out that supply cannot be ramped up overnight, as the poultry cycle requires time to adjust to market signals.
Metro Markets Bear the Brunt
The price jump is most acute in major urban centers. Consumers in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru are reporting increases of between 25% to 50% compared to recent prices. The wholesale market has also felt the heat, with prices rising by approximately ₹1 per egg. One of the hardest-hit regions is Maharashtra, which is reportedly facing a staggering daily deficit of 15 million eggs, severely straining local markets and distribution chains.
When Can Consumers Expect Relief?
For families hoping for a quick return to normalcy, the outlook appears challenging in the immediate term. Industry experts and bodies like the Poultry Federation indicate that a meaningful correction in supply and prices may only materialize after February 2026. The timeline is contingent on improved weather conditions and the natural production cycle of poultry farms. Until then, the humble breakfast omelette, street food snacks, and household recipes reliant on eggs are set to remain a more expensive affair.
This price surge highlights the vulnerability of essential food items to seasonal and demand shocks, impacting both household economics and the broader conversation about food security and inflation in the country.
