June 18, 2026

Egg and chicken prices in Andhra Pradesh, India, surge amid supply shortages

Eggs and poultry chicken in Andhra Pradesh, India, have become more expensive, with traders attributing the rise to increased demand and reduced supply, higher transportation costs, and rising feed prices.

The price of a dozen eggs has increased by ₹8 (US$0.09) to ₹10 (US$0.12) within a week, while poultry chicken prices have risen by ₹20 (US$0.23) to ₹30 (US$0.35) per kilogramme in many markets across the state.

A dozen eggs are now selling for ₹84 (US$0.98) to ₹90 (US$1.05). Several days earlier, the price ranged from ₹72 (US$0.84) to ₹78 (US$0.91), according to K. Naidu, a trader in Visakhapatnam (Vizag).

Broiler chicken prices have also surged across Vizag city. A dressed broiler chicken was selling for ₹270 (US$3.15) per kilogram in Madhurawada on June 14, compared with ₹240 (US$2.80) per kilogramme a week earlier. In some markets across the city, broiler chicken was sold at even higher prices.

Traders said the increase was linked to changes in market dynamics. While summer usually brings weaker demand for broiler chicken, this year's price rise has defied the normal seasonal trend. Demand has strengthened following rainfall in some areas, while supply has declined because of high bird mortality during May.

Higher transportation costs resulting from increased diesel and petrol prices have also contributed to the rise. As fuel costs have climbed, the cost of moving poultry products to market has increased accordingly.

Hot and humid weather conditions have also affected poultry production. Birds reduced their normal feed intake during the heat, leading to lower egg production. Traders said the extreme temperatures caused the death of many birds between May 26 and June 5, creating a gap between demand and supply for both eggs and broiler chicken.

Demand for country chicken remained steady despite the weather conditions. According to Mohan, a meat trader in Vizag city, dressed country chicken is currently selling for between ₹900 (US$10.50) and ₹1,000 (US$11.70) per kilogramme, depending on the size of the bird.

- The Times of India