The price of chicken eggs has reached an all-time high, with consumers now paying up to Rs 25 per egg in retail. Poultry farmers attribute the price hike to decreased production and insufficient supply to meet market demand.

Although the Nepal Layers Poultry Farmers Association has set the consumer price at Rs 22.50 per egg, retailers are charging Rs 25, prompting accusations of black marketing. Association President Binod Pokharel stated, “Charging even Rs 1 more than the set price is black marketing. The Department of Commerce should take action against such practices.”

Egg production in Nepal has significantly declined over the years. Six years ago, the daily production was 5.5 million eggs, but it has now dropped to 2.4 to 2.5 million. President Pokharel explained that demand increases during winter, further straining the supply chain.

The association has set farm prices at Rs 515 per crate for large eggs and Rs 500 for medium-sized eggs. By the time they reach traders, the prices increase to Rs 600 and Rs 585 per crate, respectively. Farmers receive Rs 17.16 per egg, with production costs estimated at Rs 16.57 per egg. Transportation and breakage costs raise the price to Rs 20 per egg by the time it reaches traders. Ideally, consumers should pay Rs 22.50, but prices have surged to Rs 25.

Consumers have expressed frustration over the rising prices, calling the increases "unnatural." A consumer noted paying Rs 25 per egg or Rs 675 per crate in retail stores.

Poultry farmers, however, argue that current prices merely reflect their production costs, marking the first time in five years they have broken even. Many farmers were displaced in the past five years due to unsustainable losses.

Nepal Egg Producers Association President Shivaram KC remarked that farmers are finally receiving prices that cover production costs. He added that rising feed prices, higher electricity consumption during winter, and increased chicken mortality due to the cold have contributed to the price hike.

Information Officer for the Department of Commercem Dik Bahadur Karki, confirmed receiving complaints about the price surge. He noted that discussions with farmers and producers revealed higher input costs as a key reason for the increase. The department is exploring measures to address the issue and potentially lower prices, he said.