Egg Prices Soar to Record High

Kurnool: Amid the rise in prices of essential commodities, egg prices have surged sharply, adding to the financial strain on common households.

In an unprecedented trend, retail egg prices have touched Rs 8 per piece, which market observers say is an all-time high. Until April- May, a dozen eggs were priced around Rs 70. However, after June 15, the same quantity is being sold for Rs 96 in the retail market.

Similarly, a tray of 30 eggs that cost Rs 180 in April is now being sold for Rs 220 in wholesale markets and up to Rs 240 in retail.

Local traders say margins remain minimal despite the price hike. “If we sell a tray of eggs without at least a Rs 20 margin, we incur losses. Even at Rs 240 per tray, profits are negligible due to damage and wastage,” said V. Satish Kumar, a grocery merchant from Kovelakuntla in Nandyal district.

According to market sources, the sharp rise in prices is primarily due to a significant drop in production. Extreme heat during April and May led to large-scale poultry deaths, reducing egg output drastically. The situation persisted into June, further worsening supply.

R. Allabakash, a poultry farmer from Mydukur in Kadapa district, highlighted the severity of losses.

“We have lost a large number of birds this year. Despite using medicines, losses were unavoidable. Egg production has dropped considerably. Even at current prices, we are not seeing margins as feed costs have increased sharply,” he said, adding that prices may rise further if conditions do not improve.

Industry estimates suggest that daily production in the state, which earlier stood at around 4 crore eggs, has declined by nearly 20 per cent. Currently, there are about 800 large poultry farms and nearly 15,000 small-scale farms operating across the state.

The surge in egg prices has also pushed up the cost of other meat products. Chicken prices have risen to Rs 240 per kg, while skinless chicken is being sold for up to Rs 280 per kg. Mutton prices have also increased from Rs 850 to between Rs 860 and Rs 870 per kg.

S. Rasool Saheb, a mutton trader from Penukonda in Sri Sathya Sai district, attributed the hike to increased livestock prices and growing demand. “The cost of live animals has gone up significantly. With demand rising, we are forced to sell mutton at above Rs 860 per kg,” he said.

Meanwhile, country chicken (desi chicken) prices have skyrocketed, with dressed meat selling at around Rs 900 per kg. Despite the high price, supply remains limited, leaving consumers frustrated.

With meat and egg prices steadily climbing, the burden on the middle and lower-income families is increasing. The impact is particularly severe during weddings, festivals and social functions, where such purchases are unavoidable, pushing household budgets beyond limits.

Egg Price Trends in Andhra Pradesh (2026)

Category Time Period Price

Price per egg April–May 2026 Rs 6.50

Price per egg After June 15, 2026 Rs 8.00

Price per tray May 2026 Rs 180

Price per tray - Present price Rs 240

Price per dozen eggs May 2026 Rs 70

Price per dozen eggs after June 15, 2026 Rs 96

Poultry farms in Andhra Pradesh

Type of farm - Number

Large poultry farms - 800

Small poultry farms - 15,000