Panaji:
Goa is seeing one of its steepest egg price spikes in recent times, with retail rates touching ₹100 per dozen and staying firm over the weekend. Eggs—staples for breakfast, fitness diets and pet feeding—are now burning a hole in household budgets.
For many Goans, eggs are non-negotiable. From omelettes and boiled eggs to raw-egg protein drinks, the demand remains constant—and during the festive season, it only goes up.
Christmas Baking to Get Costlier
The price surge is especially worrying for home bakers and traditional Goan sweet makers preparing for Christmas.
“This year’s Christmas hampers are going to be pricey,” said Fatima Fernandes, a Margao shopkeeper who sells plum cakes and bebinca.
“I have loyal customers who expect reasonable rates, but with egg prices so high, raising product prices is unavoidable.”
Retailers Struggling to Maintain Margins
Small shops too are feeling the pressure.
Manjunath, who runs a store in St. Inez, Panaji, recalls selling eggs at ₹60 per dozen four to five years ago. Today, he buys them at ₹97–₹98 from distributors and sells with a margin of barely ₹2–₹3.
“Earlier this week, prices fluctuated between ₹80 and ₹90. Now it is stuck at ₹100,” he said.
Chicken Prices Also Rising
The surge is not limited to eggs. Retailers like Babloo Chicken Centre in St. Inez have increased chicken prices from ₹170 to ₹190 per kg, driven by limited supply and rising freight costs.
Goa Depends Heavily on Imports
Goa consumes nearly 7 lakh eggs daily, with demand rising by 20% in winter, especially during Christmas and New Year.
With no large-scale poultry farms in the state, Goa depends on imports from Karnataka (80%) and Maharashtra (20%). Eggs from Belagavi are usually cheaper compared to Kolhapur and Sangli supplies.
Wholesale prices vary by region, resulting in price inconsistency across markets.
Hotels Absorb the Cost — Street Vendors Can’t
Hotels buying in bulk are less likely to revise menu prices immediately. But small street kiosks selling omelettes and ros-omelette pao say profits will drop sharply.
“Sales won’t fall, but margins will,” said a ros-omelette vendor in Margao.
Why the Sudden Spike?
According to Jaikrishna Naik, President of the All Goa Poultry Traders Association, the situation is driven by:
- Higher export demand
- Reduced winter production
- Sustained festive consumption
Exports to Gulf countries and Sri Lanka have increased, diverting supply away from domestic markets.
Outlook: Prices Likely to Stay High
With consumption increasing toward Christmas and New Year—and supply still tight—rates are expected to remain elevated well into January.
For households, bakeries and small food vendors across Goa, the humble egg is now an unexpected festive expense.