Ahead of the festive Christmas season, consumers in Goa are facing a sharp spike in egg prices, with a dozen now costing a hefty Rs 90. This marks a significant jump from Rs 80 just a month ago, and industry experts warn that this upward trend is likely to continue, potentially lasting until early 2026.
Supply Crunch and Export Priorities Drive Costs
The root of the problem lies in Goa's heavy dependence on neighbouring states for its egg supply. The state imports a staggering 80% of its eggs from Karnataka and the remaining 20% from Maharashtra. Jaikrishna Naik, president of the All Goa Poultry Traders Association, explained that suppliers in these states are currently prioritising exports to other countries over domestic demand, creating a shortage in the local market.
Goa's daily requirement stands at approximately seven lakh eggs, which is typically met by importing 7–8 lakh eggs daily. However, winter and the Christmas season have pushed consumption up by about 20%. "Despite higher demand, suppliers in these states are not scaling up shipments to meet this additional requirement, so the prices may increase further," Naik stated. He anticipates prices could climb even higher by mid-December.
Seasonal Factors and Festive Demand Compound Issue
Adding to the supply-side pressure are natural biological changes in poultry. Mario Valadares, a poultry owner and director of Royal Foods, noted that dropping temperatures cause hens to naturally reduce egg production. This seasonal dip coincides with a predictable surge in demand. "During the winter, consumption is high since people eat more eggs and there are more eggs used for the Christmas season in various preparations. This is a yearly phenomenon," Valadares said. While optimistic about a later stabilisation, he confirmed the current trend of high demand leading to high prices.
Impact on Businesses and Limited Regulatory Scope
The price hike is already sending ripples through local businesses, especially bakeries and traditional sweet-makers preparing for Christmas. Floyd Pereira, proprietor of a well-known confectionery store in Panaji, has received indications from manufacturers that the cost of festive items like cakes and bebinca could increase by around Rs 50 due to the rising cost of eggs.
For consumers and businesses hoping for intervention, the authorities have little recourse. Officials from the department of animal husbandry and veterinary services have confirmed that egg pricing falls outside government regulation, leaving the final rate to be dictated entirely by market forces of supply and demand. This means Goans must brace for elevated egg prices throughout the festive season and potentially well into the new year.
