Egg prices scramble market as shortage arises

COLOMBO (News 1st); The price of eggs have skyrocketed recently, and although the government issued a gazette fixing an MRP, many areas do not sell eggs at the stipulated prices.

Vendors say that they are making a loss, as they have to purchase eggs ar Rs. 61.50 and sell at Rs. 45/-. It was also observed that many areas continue to face an egg shortage. 

Some vendors said that people tend to not to purchase eggs, and as a result, their stock of eggs at most times go rotten, in addition to some shops having to close down completely.

However, another observation which was able to be made was the overabundance of eggs at farms due to vendors refusing to purchase them.

At the Kuliyapitiya egg farm, the eggs have accumulated, and have begun to rot where they are.

Farmers said that despite having an abundance of egg stock, vendors do not come and purchase them, while others say that some farms, which used to have over 8,000 chickens, are now left with only 1,200 chickens.

Farmers further stated that it costs around Rs. 52 - Rs. 53 to produce an egg, and therefore incurs a loss of Rs. 10 - Rs. 12 in selling it.