Residents of Mumbai are facing a severe pinch in their kitchen budgets as the price of eggs has skyrocketed to an unprecedented high, touching Rs 108 to Rs 110 for a dozen in several retail markets across the city. This surge comes alongside a sharp increase in the cost of other non-vegetarian staples like chicken and mutton, causing widespread concern among consumers.
Festive Demand and Cold Wave Fuel Price Surge
Traders and merchants attribute the record-breaking prices to a confluence of factors. The high demand for baking and cooking during the Christmas and New Year festivities, combined with a cold wave in North India and reports of lower production, have created a perfect storm leading to a short supply in the market. On December 31, specific retail rates highlighted the spike: eggs were sold for Rs 110 per dozen in Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri, and Rs 108 in areas like Bandra, Khar, and Dadar. Prices were slightly lower in Borivli and Vikhroli at Rs 96, and at Rs 90 in wholesale-cum-retail shops in Kurla.
Altaf Ahmed Khan of Ahmed Eggs Merchant, whose father chairs the Mumbai Egg Traders Association, explained the market dynamics. "The festive season and cold weather has raised demand for eggs to very high levels," he said. He noted that while the NECC wholesale rate is Rs 710 for 100 pieces, retail prices vary by locality due to vendor margins and home delivery services, leading to the disparity between areas like Bandra West and Bandra East.
Consumer Shock and Confusion Over Shortage
The steep hike has left many Mumbaikars baffled, especially as visible shortages are not apparent in shops. Actor Khurshed Lawyer, famous for his role as Swami in 'Munnabhai MBBS', took to social media to express his disbelief. "Impossible to understand how and why eggs' price today is Rs 108 a dozen," he tweeted. Speaking to TOI on Wednesday, Lawyer, a Dadar resident, stated he was shocked to see eggs cross the Rs 100 barrier, selling at Rs 108, despite shop shelves being fully stocked.
He offered insights into the sustained demand, suggesting that a shift in perception where many now consider eggs as vegetarian, coupled with the growing fitness and gym culture that promotes egg consumption for protein, are key drivers keeping demand consistently high.
Broader Non-Veg Inflation Pinches Pockets
The price surge is not limited to eggs. Mumbaikars are grappling with a rapid increase in the cost of basic non-vegetarian items, significantly straining household expenses. Broiler chicken is now selling for Rs 280 to Rs 320 per kg, a massive jump from its previous price of around Rs 175-180 per kg. The situation is even more severe for mutton lovers, with goat meat priced at an average of Rs 850 to Rs 1,000 per kg. The boneless variety commands a premium, scaling up to a staggering Rs 1,400 per kilogram.
Altaf Ahmed Khan linked the high chicken prices to the New Year's Eve demand from restaurants and cafes, noting that December 31 typically records the highest sale of chicken products in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. This demand has led to a price gradient across the city, with slum localities selling chicken at Rs 280/kg and upscale areas like Bandra West seeing prices of Rs 320/kg.
While the current scenario is grim, there is a glimmer of hope for relief. Some wholesalers anticipate that egg rates may see a marginal drop in the coming week as the peak consumption period of Christmas and New Year ebbs. The market is expected to stabilize once the festive demand subsides, offering some respite to consumers reeling under the current food inflation.
