The price of broiler chicken eggs in markets around the capital city of Bangladesh has experienced a rapid increase, reaching Tk 170-180 (equivalent to Tk 14-15 per piece) per dozen within just one week. Additionally, local chicken eggs have been observed selling for Tk 220-230 per dozen in some city areas.

Market experts and individuals involved in the egg industry attribute this drastic price instability to mismanagement within the market. According to Alam, the president of the Baridhara Notun Bazar Owners Association, recurring price hikes are due to supply mismanagement and a lack of proper oversight, which have led to an unpredictable market environment. He emphasized the importance of identifying the root causes behind these frequent price surges and stressed the need for effective intervention by relevant agencies.

Nadeem, a customer at Gulshan kitchen market, echoed concerns about weak market monitoring systems, allowing traders to frequently increase prices. He called upon relevant authorities to take robust measures to address this issue.

The Bangladesh Poultry Association (BPA), representing local egg and chicken producers, has urged for coordinated efforts in market management to ensure fair pricing. BPA President Sumon Hawlader highlighted the necessity of strengthening market monitoring and adjusting egg and chicken prices reasonably, considering production costs. Hawlader emphasized that such measures are crucial to stabilize market conditions and prevent syndicates from causing price instability.

Recent data from the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) revealed a significant 10 percent increase in the price of broiler chicken eggs to Tk 140-150 per dozen within a week, compared to the previous week’s prices.

The Bangladesh Egg Producers Association reported that the country requires between 35 and 40 million eggs per day to meet consumer demand, with the majority being sourced domestically. Over the past decade, the nation’s egg production has more than doubled, increasing from 1.017 billion eggs in 2013–14 to 2.338 billion eggs in 2022–23, according to the Department of Livestock.

Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim indicated that the cost of egg production exceeds Tk 10.50 per egg, and considering other costs and profits, he suggested that egg prices should not surpass Tk 12. He stated that if proper pricing is maintained at this level, both producers and consumers would benefit, and necessary action would be taken against attempts to manipulate prices under the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009.

In light of the market instability, the government is contemplating importing eggs to restore stability. Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi mentioned that the Commerce Ministry’s decision to import eggs would require cooperation from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.

In response, the Livestock Minister noted that the matter of egg imports would be approached differently. He emphasized that ensuring efficient market management could potentially eliminate the need for imports, given the current egg production rate in the country.

Regarding price regulation, the commerce minister highlighted that if the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock determines market prices for eggs, the Directorate of National Consumers’ Right Protection would conduct inspections to ensure price control. To address the volatile egg market, the Directorate of National Consumers’ Right Protection has already initiated inspections of various warehouses in the capital and imposed fines as necessary.