Egg prices in the country have surged sharply in recent weeks, with a tray now costing around Nu 500 in some shops. Just recently, a tray was available for Nu 280 to 320. Shopkeepers say the increase is due to higher prices at the farms, leaving them with no choice but to raise prices for customers.
In some areas, shortages are also emerging alongside the increase in price.
“The price goes up every week. We have no option but to raise our prices as well. Customers complain, but there is nothing we can do,” said Karma Wangdi, Shopkeeper, Thimphu.
“We used to buy a carton of eggs for Nu 1,800 to 2,000. But it has now risen to over 3,000. Since demand in Thimphu has gone up, supplies are directed there, and we don’t receive enough,” said Doli, Shopkeeper, Damphu Town, Tsirang.
“The wholesale rate has reached about Nu 3,200 per carton. We heard that one of the reasons is schools buying in bulk, sometimes 3,000 to 4,000 cartons at a time,” said Namgay Pem, Shopkeeper, Thimphu.
“Egg prices have doubled. We still buy them, but we worry we might not be able to sell. If we can’t, it will rot and will go to waste,” said Minjur Wangdi, Shopkeeper, Pema Gatshel.
According to poultry farmers, one of the key drivers behind the hike is the government’s “One Child, One Egg” initiative in schools, which has increased demand nationwide.
“Poultry farms are making a good profit now as egg prices are strong. Since the “One Child, One Egg” initiative started, we have been supplying schools,” said Tshering Wangda, Poultry Farmer, Gosarling Gewog, Tsirang.
But it is the customers who are feeling the brunt of the soaring prices.
“Since eggs are nutritious, we can manage to buy them when prices are reasonable. But when prices rise like this, it becomes difficult,” said Tenzin, Resident, Monggar.
“The price of eggs has increased drastically. On occasion, many people serve eggs and cheese instead of meat. Now, a tray costs around Nu 500,” said Kuenga Yeshi, Resident, Monggar.
“Not only have egg prices gone up, but they are also harder to get. It is inconvenient when guests visit, since eggs are what we usually serve to those who don’t eat meat,” said Som Bdr. Rai, Resident, Paro.
The surge in egg prices is also affecting bakeries, where eggs are a vital ingredient. Owners say they cannot raise the prices of cakes and pastries for fear of losing customers, leaving them to absorb the extra costs for now.
Some said allowing imports would help manage prices in the market, but concerns remain among poultry farmers who fear imports would destabilise the local poultry business.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock said they are working on a proposal to seek the Cabinet’s intervention to address the price hike.
Deki Lhazom
Edited by Sonam Pem
