Egg Prices Rise Sharply Across India As Retail Rates Touch Rs 9-10

Egg prices have become the latest addition to the growing list of everyday food expenses putting pressure on household budgets. After recent increases in sugar and onion prices, consumers are now paying more for eggs, with retail rates reaching Rs 9-10 apiece in several cities.

The increase has been significant over the past year, with egg prices rising by nearly 40% nationwide. For households that buy eggs regularly, the higher rate is adding to the cost of weekly groceries and daily meals.

Local shops are charging considerably more

The latest figures for September 5, 2026, show an egg price of around Rs 6 in Delhi and approximately Rs 6.20 in Kolkata at wholesale or recommended rates. The actual amount paid by consumers can be considerably higher at local retail shops.

Figures from September 4 put the wholesale and recommended price at around Rs 4.90 per egg. A tray of 30 eggs was priced at about Rs 147, while a box containing 210 eggs cost approximately Rs 1,029.

The difference between recommended and retail prices is particularly important for regular buyers. A family purchasing several eggs every day can see the additional cost accumulate over a month, especially when other essential food items are also becoming more expensive.

Rising maize prices are pushing up feed costs

Higher poultry feed costs are one of the main reasons behind the current egg price hike . Maize and other grains are important components of chicken feed, meaning an increase in their prices directly raises the cost of egg production.

Maize prices have risen from around Rs 22 per kg to nearly Rs 30 per kg in some markets. The price has also increased substantially over a longer period, with maize currently costing around Rs 26,500 per tonne compared with approximately Rs 14,000 per tonne three years ago.

Feed accounts for around 65-70% of poultry expenses. This makes feed prices a major factor in determining the cost of producing eggs, leaving poultry producers with limited room to absorb sustained increases in input costs.

As production becomes more expensive, the pressure moves through the supply chain. Wholesale prices can rise first, followed by higher rates for consumers once distribution, transportation and retail costs are added.

Demand is rising while production remains low

The increase in egg prices is also being driven by the gap between demand and supply. Demand for eggs has been growing, but production has remained relatively low, creating tighter availability in the market.

When demand remains strong while supply fails to keep pace, prices tend to remain under pressure. This can be particularly noticeable in retail markets, where consumers are already paying significantly more than wholesale or recommended rates.

The situation could become more difficult in the months ahead. Input costs are projected to rise by around 15-20% by December, raising the possibility of another increase in the price of eggs.

Producers are also not turning to cheaper feed alternatives to offset the rising expenses. If feed costs continue to climb while egg production remains constrained, the retail price could face further upward pressure before the end of the year.

For consumers, the increase means that an item often considered an affordable source of protein is taking up a larger share of the household food budget. The direction of egg prices in the coming months will largely depend on feed costs, production levels and whether supply can catch up with demand.

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