Chicken and egg lovers in Bengaluru are experiencing a new wave of price increases, with poultry products becoming drastically more expensive in the past week. Broiler chicken and egg prices are at an all-time high, and retailers and restaurant owners are worried.
According to market sources, the retail price of skinless broiler chicken has climbed to ₹360 per kg, and broiler chicken with skin is currently being sold at ₹340 per kg. Only a few days ago, chicken prices were around ₹300 per kg, so the increase is significant for consumers who use chicken products.
Egg prices also showed a marked increase. In the wholesale market, eggs are sold at around ₹8 per piece, and retail consumers pay anywhere between ₹8.30 and ₹9 per egg. Just three days ago, eggs were available for ₹7 to ₹7.50 each; this indicates the price is rising at a fast pace.
Why are Chicken and Egg prices rising?
The price surge is driven by supply-side issues and demand, traders and poultry industry representatives say. The growth rate of poultry birds has not met expectations to date, and the number of chickens for sale has not been the best this year, according to market experts.
Thus, a lot of poultry is being supplied to neighbouring states, and the stock in Karnataka’s local markets is scarce. This lack of supply has driven up prices, especially in cities like Bengaluru where demand is high.
Analysts say fluctuations in feed costs, transportation costs, and seasonal factors also contributed to the rise in poultry prices. With supply not able to keep pace with demand, retailers have little choice but to pass on increased costs to consumers.
Consumers Cut Back on Purchases
The impact of rising prices can be seen in consumer buying patterns. Poultry vendors say that many customers who previously purchased one kilogram of chicken are now purchasing smaller quantities (around 500 grams or 750 grams) for their home budgets.
We also see a drop in footfall at some retailers that have seen a decrease in footfall as consumers are cautious about spending on non-essential food items. The higher prices hit middle-income families who depend on chicken and eggs as affordable sources of protein.
Restaurants may increase Menu Prices
Health care companies and hotel chains are paying for the price hike, but so are restaurants, hotels, and food delivery firms. Chicken and eggs are key ingredients in many popular dishes, including chicken biryani, egg curry, fried rice, and various fast-food items.
If poultry prices stay high for a long time, restaurant owners have to revise menu prices to keep up with the rising costs. Hence, consumers may soon see higher prices for chicken biryani, egg-based dishes, and other poultry-related items around Bengaluru.
Until poultry supply is more robust, market analysts think prices may stay high in the short term unless poultry supply improves significantly. Production levels and demand will be closely monitored to see if the market will stabilise in the near term.
But Bengaluru residents are living with one of the sharpest poultry price increases seen in recent months, making food choices for families and businesses more expensive.
