Consumers across Kerala are paying significantly more for eggs as retail prices continue to climb, driven by higher production costs and tighter supplies from neighbouring Tamil Nadu. The steady increase has become a concern for households, restaurants, bakeries, and the food service industry, where eggs remain an essential and affordable source of protein.
Retail prices for regular white eggs, which sold for around ₹5.50 each just a few months ago, have now risen to between ₹8 and ₹10 in many parts of the state. Wholesale prices in Ernakulam are currently hovering between ₹7 and ₹7.50 per egg, while premium country eggs are selling for ₹12 or more in several retail outlets.
The upward trend is visible across Kerala. In Thiruvananthapuram, white eggs are selling for around ₹7.40 each, while country eggs have touched nearly ₹7.80 in the wholesale market, compared to ₹6 and ₹7 respectively a month ago. In Kozhikode, brown-shelled eggs produced by the popular BV 380 breed are being sold for ₹10 to ₹12 each. Eggs from backyard country chickens, considered a premium product by many consumers, are now priced as high as ₹14 apiece.
Industry experts point to multiple factors behind the price rise. One of the biggest reasons is a reduction in egg supplies from Namakkal in Tamil Nadu, India’s largest egg-producing region and Kerala’s primary supplier. Traders say that increased domestic demand in Tamil Nadu, particularly following the expansion of egg distribution under the state’s school midday meal programme, has reduced the volume available for interstate markets.
At the same time, poultry farmers are facing mounting production costs. Feed prices have increased sharply over the past year, with a 50-kilogram bag of poultry feed now costing around ₹2,300. Higher prices for maize, soybean meal, transportation, labour, and electricity have further squeezed profit margins for poultry producers, forcing many to pass on the additional costs to the market.
Although wholesalers maintain that there is no major shortage of eggs, procurement prices have steadily increased. In Namakkal, wholesale egg prices have risen from around ₹5.80 per egg in early 2025 to approximately ₹6.50 this year, marking one of the highest price levels recorded in the region. Even modest increases at the production level have translated into much higher retail prices after transportation, distribution, and retailer margins are added.
Meanwhile, the BV 380 breed is gaining popularity among poultry farmers in Kerala. Known for its high productivity, the bird typically lays between 280 and 300 eggs annually while requiring relatively lower feed compared to many traditional breeds. Its brown-shelled eggs command premium prices in the market because many consumers associate them with country eggs. Farmers also value the breed for its good meat yield, making it a profitable dual-purpose variety.
With demand remaining strong and production costs showing little sign of easing, market analysts believe egg prices are likely to remain firm in the coming weeks. Unless feed prices decline or supplies from Tamil Nadu improve substantially, consumers may continue to face higher prices for one of the country’s most widely consumed food staples.
