Egg Prices Threatened by Soaring Costs of Feeds and Transportation

Egg prices may go up despite a stable supply in the country, according to Arnulfo Frontuna, chairperson for Livestock at the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries.

In a hearing of the House Committee on Agriculture and Food, Frontuna stated that the high cost of inputs, including corn, soya, and other feed ingredients, was a significant factor in the potential price hike.

Transportation difficulties may also affect egg supplies as some towns are restricting poultry transit due to fears of disease. Frontuna stressed the importance of addressing supply chain issues, as tight restrictions by local governments could lead to shortages in different provinces.

Egg prices have been on the rise since late last year, with producers blaming the high cost of feeds for the increase. Some egg producers with limited capital have also suspended their operations after incurring losses from overproduction. The egg industry is also concerned about potential losses due to bird flu infection.

Inflation surged to a 14-year high of 8.7 percent in January, partly due to elevated prices of select food items, including eggs. With the cost of inputs and transportation difficulties contributing to the potential rise in egg prices, the industry and government will need to work together to ensure a stable supply of eggs at an affordable cost to consumers.