Why Are Egg Prices So High?
Egg prices have hit record highs in the U.S. due to a bird flu outbreak, making them expensive and sometimes hard to find. According to recent government reports, the average price for a dozen eggs reached $4.95 in January, surpassing the previous record of $4.82. Just a few months ago, in August 2023, the price was as low as $2.04.
Some places are seeing prices as high as $10 per dozen, especially for organic and cage-free eggs. Consumers have started cutting back on their egg purchases or finding alternatives.
When Will Egg Prices Go Down?
Unfortunately, prices are not expected to drop soon. With Easter approaching, demand for eggs will rise, further increasing prices. The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts that egg prices will increase by another 20% this year.
Many grocery stores are struggling to keep eggs in stock, leading to purchase limits and higher prices. Store owners say they often receive fewer eggs than they order, leaving shelves nearly empty.
The Impact of Bird Flu
The main reason for the shortage is the ongoing bird flu outbreak. When a farm detects the virus, all chickens are culled to prevent its spread. Since some farms house millions of egg-laying chickens, a single outbreak can reduce the egg supply significantly.
Since the outbreak began, nearly 158 million birds have been slaughtered. In the last two months alone, 41 million birds were killed. It takes months for farms to clean up, replace the chickens, and restart egg production.
Bird flu spreads mostly through wild birds, and cases often increase in spring and fall. While the virus has infected some cattle and farmworkers, health officials say the risk to the public is low. Eggs and poultry are safe to eat if cooked properly.
Other Factors Driving Prices Up
Egg farmers also face rising costs due to inflation. Feed, fuel, and labor expenses have all increased, forcing farmers to charge more.
New laws in several states now require eggs to come from cage-free environments, which has reduced supply and driven up prices further. California and other states with these laws have been hit especially hard.
Demand for eggs is also growing due to more people eating breakfast throughout the day and restaurants serving egg-based meals.
Experts say prices may stay high for months until farms recover and supply stabilizes.
