August 23, 2004

Egg Prices Up 30 To 50% In Singapore

Egg prices in Singapore have already shot up 30 to 50 percent following the ban on poultry and eggs from Malaysia.

The Singapore Eggs Import-Export Trading Association says it has been informed by the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) that the ban would last at least six weeks.

But the good news is many restaurants, coffee shops and hawkers around the island say they will absorb the increases for now.

The ban on Malaysian poultry products has stopped some 2 million eggs from crossing the Causeway each day.

Overnight, wholesalers have raised prices from about 10 cents an egg to 16 cents.

For now, most food-sellers say they will absorb the 30 to 50 percent hike in egg prices.

But if prices continue to rise, they may have no choice but to pass the price increase to customers.

The consumer watchdog, CASE, has urged importers and retailers to be reasonable in raising prices.

"They should only adjust the price according to the cost that has been increased and not beyond what is necessary. Because if they do beyond what's necessary, they're actually taking advantage of the situation," said CASE President Seah Seng Choon.