More than 70 individuals were infected in last year’s bird flu outbreak which has increased egg prices, because of which consumers are finding it challenging to buy eggs. The US is facing a bird flu epidemic, with already 70 individuals infected in the past year. This has made egg prices skyrocket to all-time highs, inflicting a lot of inconvenience upon consumers.
The most recent monthly consumer price index indicated that the price of a dozen Grade A eggs in US cities averaged $4.95 (Rs 429) in January, surpassing the previous record of $4.82 (Rs 418) two years ago and more than twice the low of $2.04 (Rs 176) in August 2023.
These are only the national average. A dozen eggs may be $10 (Rs 867) or higher in some areas, the Associated Press reports and specialty types such as organic or cage-free eggs cost even more. This is the largest jump in egg prices since the previous bird flu scare in the US in 2015.
The US Bureau of Labour Statistics revealed that the increase in egg prices was responsible for about two-thirds of the overall rise in food prices in January because of which consumers are struggling to buy eggs from the market. To add insult to injury, the prices of eggs are not going to reduce anytime soon. The US Department of Agriculture had already forecasted last month that egg prices were going to increase by 20% this year.
Thus, consumers are struggling to find eggs at times and are being requested to limit their purchases, while retailers are struggling to stock their shelves. Egg prices are now a de facto inflation indicator that has made its mark in the United States over the past few years. Nevertheless, the primary cause of this price surge is the outbreak of bird flu.
