• Kolkata Correspondent

On Friday, the price of eggs in the retail market in Kolkata was Rs. 72 per dozen. On Saturday, it increased to Rs. 90. Even in June this year, the retail price of eggs per dozen in Kolkata was 66 rupees.

Fish prices are also high in Kolkata now, when live chicken is selling for Rs. 190 per kg. Low-middle-class people rely on eggs for protein, so the skyrocketing price of eggs has depressed common people.

Due to an increase in prices in the wholesale market, the price of eggs in retail shops has increased sharply, say retailers. On Saturday, the price of one hundred eggs in the wholesale market increased to Rs. 650.

While some of the egg demand in West Bengal is met by the state, the rest has to depend on the southern states. Eggs in Kolkata come from states like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. As Tamil Nadu and neighboring states, including Chennai, are now affected by the cyclone, supplies of commodities have been disrupted. As a result, the price of eggs has increased.

Market insiders say that in December, the price of eggs increases to some extent but generally every year and the main reason for this is that a lot of cakes are made during Christmas, which also pushes up demand for eggs. If supplies remain insufficient this time, the price of eggs will increase.