The price of eggs has been increasing, affecting both consumers and businesses as they bear the rising prices.
This pattern has been specially visible across the regions, including Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram and Phitsanulok, where the cost of egg has risen in the past year.
Director-general of the Department of Internal Trade, Wittayakorn Maneenetr, said the main cause of the rate increase is the intense steam, which has led to a drop-off in egg production, with hens laying fewer and smaller eggs.
The increased use of cooling devices in fields to store the heat even has raised electricity and water charges, more exacerbating the problem.
The division has responded by distributing hens at lower costs through its” Mobile Blue Flag” programme in limited areas.
” But for the customer, we can guarantee there will be no shortage of egg, as 44. 52 million hens are produced and sold into the market everyday, while regular intake is 43. 3 million hens per time,” he said.
Merchants and restaurant owners have even felt the sting of chicken value rises after the system of chicken farmer cooperatives for chicken production declared it would raise chicken prices by 20 satang or six ringgit per box of 30 eggs on April 17.
In Buri Ram, for instance, the price of all styles of egg has risen 9–15 ringgit per box in new areas.
Retailers have been forced to absorb additional costs which represent a 20 % increase in their expenses, said Thonglor Kacheumram, a market vendor.
Also, restaurant owners who rely on eggs for food like cooked eggs and pancakes are also facing difficulties.
Khemchat Suwanjak, a cafe owner in Nakhon Ratchasima, said:” Although my expenses have gone away, I have to retain my charges level to sustain my client base. I cannot raise my prices now as my customers are already struggling due to the economic crisis. “
A check of the market in Phitsanulok reveals prices for eggs have risen there too; one egg can retail for 3. 6–4. 8 baht, depending on the size.
However, some shops are still holding their prices steady for now to support customers, though they may be forced to act in coming days as new stock arrives from farms, said Preecha Aimim, 60, an egg shop owner in Phitsanulok.
Given the cost pressures, many market vendors and traders are urging the government to help alleviate the financial burden on both consumers and business owners.
Boonlert Polsawang, a food merchant in Phitsanulok, said he had to balance the costs between selling processed eggs and the cost of raw eggs and fuel costs. Fluctuations in the price of consumer goods related to energy and other raw materials were a major concern for retailers, he said.