<p>Eggs, long considered one of India's most affordable sources of protein, are becoming increasingly expensive. Prices have risen by around 35–40% over the past year, with farm-level prices at about Rs 7 per egg and retail prices varying significantly across markets. Recent reports have also highlighted much higher prices on some online delivery platforms. The increase comes at a crucial time for the poultry industry. Egg demand generally strengthens during the winter months, raising concerns that prices could face further upward pressure if feed costs remain high. At the centre of the issue is maize, one of the most important ingredients used in poultry feed.</p><h2>Why maize matters for egg prices</h2><p>Maize is a major source of energy in poultry diets. As more maize is diverted towards ethanol production under India's Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme, poultry producers are facing increased competition for the crop. In simple terms, maize that could have gone into poultry feed is increasingly being used by ethanol producers. That does not mean ethanol production is solely responsible for the egg-price increase. However, the additional demand has tightened the balance between supply and competing uses of maize, contributing to higher feed costs. Recent industry reports have specifically linked rising maize prices with increasing poultry-feed costs.</p><h2>How much maize is going towards ethanol?</h2><p>Government data illustrates how dramatically the use of maize for ethanol has expanded. According to a 2025 Lok Sabha reply by Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, 125.75 lakh metric tonnes of maize were utilised for ethanol production during Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2024–25. Maize-based distilleries had been allocated around 477.8 crore litres of ethanol during the same supply year.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The increase has been particularly sharp. Maize use for ethanol rose from around 8.3 lakh tonnes to 125.75 lakh tonnes in two years, representing an increase of more than 15 times. An allocation of roughly 125.78 lakh tonnes has also been cited for ESY 2025–26, although actual utilisation can differ from the allocation. This expansion has changed the dynamics of India's ethanol market, with maize emerging as a major feedstock as grain-based ethanol production expands.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-pm-modi-tells-sco-dismantle-terrorism-s-entire-ecosystem-1788243680906"><strong>Indian PM Modi tells SCO: Dismantle terrorism’s ‘entire ecosystem’</strong></a></p><h2>How does expensive maize translate into expensive eggs?</h2><p>The chain is relatively straightforward: Higher ethanol demand → greater maize demand → higher maize prices → higher poultry-feed costs → higher egg-production costs → pressure on egg prices. Maize is not the only factor involved, but it is an important one. When feed becomes more expensive, poultry farmers have to absorb some of the increase or pass it through the supply chain. If production costs rise while consumer demand remains strong, retail egg prices can move higher. This is why the current egg-price increase has attracted attention beyond the poultry industry.</p><h2>Winter demand could put further pressure on prices</h2><p>Seasonality is another important factor. Egg consumption generally increases during the colder months as household demand strengthens and hotels, restaurants and other institutional buyers require more supplies. If maize and other feed costs remain elevated when winter demand increases, poultry farmers could face additional cost pressure. That creates the possibility that egg prices may remain elevated or rise further during the coming months. Recent industry reports have also warned of increased pressure as winter approaches.</p><h3>What does the egg-price surge mean for consumers?</h3><p>For consumers, the immediate impact is straightforward: one of India's most accessible sources of high-quality protein is becoming more expensive. The concern is particularly significant for households that rely on eggs as an affordable alternative to more expensive protein sources. If maize prices remain high and winter demand strengthens, egg prices could remain under pressure. At the same time, India's growing maize production could eventually help ease the supply-demand imbalance if output expands quickly enough to meet demand from ethanol, poultry, starch and other industries.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The central issue is therefore not simply that India is producing too little maize. India is producing more maize, but it is also finding more uses for every tonne of it. That competition between food, feed and fuel is at the heart of the latest egg-price shock.</p>

Egg prices in India have surged nearly 40% as maize diversion for ethanol raises poultry feed costs. Here’s why eggs may get costlier this winter

Eggs, long considered one of India's most affordable sources of protein, are becoming increasingly expensive. Prices have risen by around 35–40% over the past year, with farm-level prices at about Rs 7 per egg and retail prices varying significantly across markets. Recent reports have also highlighted much higher prices on some online delivery platforms. The increase comes at a crucial time for the poultry industry. Egg demand generally strengthens during the winter months, raising concerns that prices could face further upward pressure if feed costs remain high. At the centre of the issue is maize, one of the most important ingredients used in poultry feed. Why maize matters for egg prices Maize is a major source of energy in poultry diets. As more maize is diverted towards ethanol production under India's Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme, poultry producers are facing increased competition for the crop. In simple terms, maize that could have gone into poultry feed is increasingly being used by ethanol producers. That does not mean ethanol production is solely responsible for the egg-price increase. However, the additional demand has tightened the balance between supply and competing uses of maize, contributing to higher feed costs. Recent industry reports have specifically linked rising maize prices with increasing poultry-feed costs. How much maize is going towards ethanol? Government data illustrates how dramatically the use of maize for ethanol has expanded. According to a 2025 Lok Sabha reply by Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, 125.75 lakh metric tonnes of maize were utilised for ethanol production during Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2024–25. Maize-based distilleries had been allocated around 477.8 crore litres of ethanol during the same supply year. The increase has been particularly sharp. Maize use for ethanol rose from around 8.3 lakh tonnes to 125.75 lakh tonnes in two years, representing an increase of more than 15 times. An allocation of roughly 125.78 lakh tonnes has also been cited for ESY 2025–26, although actual utilisation can differ from the allocation. This expansion has changed the dynamics of India's ethanol market, with maize emerging as a major feedstock as grain-based ethanol production expands. Also Read: Indian PM Modi tells SCO: Dismantle terrorism’s ‘entire ecosystem’ How does expensive maize translate into expensive eggs? The chain is relatively straightforward: Higher ethanol demand → greater maize demand → higher maize prices → higher poultry-feed costs → higher egg-production costs → pressure on egg prices. Maize is not the only factor involved, but it is an important one. When feed becomes more expensive, poultry farmers have to absorb some of the increase or pass it through the supply chain. If production costs rise while consumer demand remains strong, retail egg prices can move higher. This is why the current egg-price increase has attracted attention beyond the poultry industry. Winter demand could put further pressure on prices Seasonality is another important factor. Egg consumption generally increases during the colder months as household demand strengthens and hotels, restaurants and other institutional buyers require more supplies. If maize and other feed costs remain elevated when winter demand increases, poultry farmers could face additional cost pressure. That creates the possibility that egg prices may remain elevated or rise further during the coming months. Recent industry reports have also warned of increased pressure as winter approaches. What does the egg-price surge mean for consumers? For consumers, the immediate impact is straightforward: one of India's most accessible sources of high-quality protein is becoming more expensive. The concern is particularly significant for households that rely on eggs as an affordable alternative to more expensive protein sources. If maize prices remain high and winter demand strengthens, egg prices could remain under pressure. At the same time, India's growing maize production could eventually help ease the supply-demand imbalance if output expands quickly enough to meet demand from ethanol, poultry, starch and other industries. The central issue is therefore not simply that India is producing too little maize. India is producing more maize, but it is also finding more uses for every tonne of it. That competition between food, feed and fuel is at the heart of the latest egg-price shock.

<p>Egg prices have jumped nearly 40% as maize demand from ethanol pushes up poultry feed costs, with winter demand threatening further price rises</p>

Will eggs get more expensive this winter? Ethanol push puts maize supply under pressure

Egg prices in the United States have soared to record highs due to a severe bird flu outbreak. The price surge follows a drastic reduction in egg-laying hens, forcing retailers to impose purchase limits and pushing up food costs nationwide. Watch this report for more details!

US egg prices soar as supermarkets impose purchase limits

Egg prices hit a record high as the U.S. contends with an ongoing bird flu outbreak. The spike in egg prices in the US was the biggest since the nation's last bird flu outbreak in 2015. Watch this report for more details!

Why Americans are raising chickens in their backyard, egg crisis in US

US egg prices hit record high, Americans turn to backyard chickens

Egg prices in the United States have surged well over 50% over the past year, with the average cost of a dozen eggs hitting $5.29 as of January 18th. This marks a sharp increase from February 2024, when eggs were priced slightly over $3.50 per dozen. Watch in for more details!

Trump faces backlash as egg prices defy promises

<p><span class="region">Washington</span>
<p><meta content="uuidl5t9tEtYyubi" name="uuid"/>Wholesale egg prices in the United States (US) have reached an all-time high as an accelerating outbreak of bird flu in laying hens slashes supplies.</p></p>
<p>Citing data from commodity data firm Expana, a report by the news agency Reuters late Saturday (December 21) said that the wholesale prices for large eggs reached $5.77 per dozen in the Midwest on December 18, up 150 per cent from a year ago and topping the previous record of $5.46 from December 2022.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-declares-emergency-after-first-severe-human-case-of-bird-flu-emerges-in-us-785227">California declares emergency after first severe human case of bird flu emerges in US</a></strong></p>
<p>The average retail price of a dozen eggs exceeded $3.60 in November, up from $2.50 at the start of the year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Only in September was the average price higher, at $3.80.</p>
<h2><strong>Prices are much higher in California</strong></h2>
<p>The wholesale prices for eggs were much higher in California, where supplies are further constrained by rules that prohibit farmers from raising hens in cages. There, eggs set an eye-popping record of $8.85 per dozen, Expana said.</p>
<p>Reuters reported that the increased prices were a bonanza for farmers who managed to avoid bird flu outbreaks and were not locked into long-term pricing arrangements that helped control costs at some major retailers.</p>
<p>The main factor driving the price rise is the damage to the laying flock from bird flu. The virus has wiped out nearly 123 million chickens, turkeys, and other poultry in 49 states (of the US) since the beginning of the current outbreak in 2022.</p>
<p><strong>Also watch | Gravitas: Will bird flu cause the next pandemic?</strong></p>
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/06/17/1706_WION_NEXTPANDEMIC_GV_9PM-1718647823-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1706_WION_NEXTPANDEMIC_GV_9PM.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=175&tags=bird flu,pandemic,World News,WION" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
<p>Data showed that of the 35 million commercial egg-laying hens killed by bird flu this year, nearly half contracted the virus in the past three months. </p>
<h2><strong>61 people infected with bird flu so far this year</strong></h2>
<p>According to the federal government, bird flu has infected 61 people in the US so far this year. </p>
<p>The cases in humans have mostly been mild, though officials confirmed the first severe case last week in Louisiana. The patient from Louisiana was hospitalised in critical condition after suspected contact with an infected backyard flock.</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The wholesale prices for large eggs reached $5.77 per dozen in the Midwest on December 18, up 150 per cent from a year ago and topping the previous record of $5.46 from December 2022.



Washington Wholesale egg prices in the United States (US) have reached an all-time high as an accelerating outbreak of bird flu in laying hens slashes supplies. Citing data from commodity data firm Expana, a report by the news agency Reuters late Saturday (December 21) said that the wholesale prices for large eggs reached $5.77 per dozen in the Midwest on December 18, up 150 per cent from a year ago and topping the previous record of $5.46 from December 2022. Also read | California declares emergency after first severe human case of bird flu emerges in US The average retail price of a dozen eggs exceeded $3.60 in November, up from $2.50 at the start of the year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Only in September was the average price higher, at $3.80. Prices are much higher in California The wholesale prices for eggs were much higher in California, where supplies are further constrained by rules that prohibit farmers from raising hens in cages. There, eggs set an eye-popping record of $8.85 per dozen, Expana said. Reuters reported that the increased prices were a bonanza for farmers who managed to avoid bird flu outbreaks and were not locked into long-term pricing arrangements that helped control costs at some major retailers. The main factor driving the price rise is the damage to the laying flock from bird flu. The virus has wiped out nearly 123 million chickens, turkeys, and other poultry in 49 states (of the US) since the beginning of the current outbreak in 2022. Also watch | Gravitas: Will bird flu cause the next pandemic? Data showed that of the 35 million commercial egg-laying hens killed by bird flu this year, nearly half contracted the virus in the past three months. 61 people infected with bird flu so far this year According to the federal government, bird flu has infected 61 people in the US so far this year. The cases in humans have mostly been mild, though officials confirmed the first severe case last week in Louisiana. The patient from Louisiana was hospitalised in critical condition after suspected contact with an infected backyard flock. (With inputs from agencies)

Bird flu crisis in US drives egg prices to an all-time high

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidl5t9tEtYyubi" />Wholesale egg prices in the United States (US) have reached an all-time high as an accelerating outbreak of bird flu in laying&nbsp;hens slashes supplies.</p>

<p>Citing data from commodity data firm Expana, a report by the news agency Reuters late Saturday (December 21) said that the wholesale prices for large eggs reached $5.77 per dozen in the Midwest on December 18, up 150 per cent from a year ago and topping the previous record of $5.46 from December 2022.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-declares-emergency-after-first-severe-human-case-of-bird-flu-emerges-in-us-785227">California declares emergency after first severe human case of bird flu emerges in US</a></strong></p>

<p>The average retail price of a dozen eggs exceeded $3.60 in November, up from $2.50 at the start of the year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Only in September was the average price higher, at $3.80.</p>

<h2><strong>Prices are much higher in California</strong></h2>

<p>The wholesale prices for eggs were much higher in California,&nbsp;where supplies are further constrained by rules that prohibit farmers from raising hens in cages. There, eggs set an eye-popping record of $8.85 per dozen, Expana said.</p>

<p>Reuters reported that the increased prices were a bonanza for farmers&nbsp;who managed to avoid bird flu outbreaks and were not locked into long-term pricing arrangements that helped control costs at some major retailers.</p>

<p>The main factor driving the price rise&nbsp;is the damage to the laying flock from bird flu. The virus has wiped out nearly 123 million chickens, turkeys, and other poultry in 49 states (of the US) since the beginning of the current outbreak in 2022.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | Gravitas: Will bird flu cause the next pandemic?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-will-bird-flu-cause-the-next-pandemic-732622/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Data showed that of the 35 million commercial egg-laying hens killed by bird flu this year, nearly half contracted the virus in the past three months.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>61 people infected with bird flu so far this year</strong></h2>

<p>According to the federal government, bird flu has infected 61 people in the US so far this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The cases in humans have mostly been mild, though officials confirmed the first severe case last week in Louisiana. The patient from Louisiana&nbsp;was hospitalised in critical condition after suspected contact with an infected backyard flock.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Wholesale egg prices in the United States (US) have reached an all-time high as an accelerating outbreak of bird flu in laying hens slashes supplies. Citing data from commodity data firm Expana, a report by the news agency Reuters late Saturday (December 21) said that the wholesale prices for large eggs reached $5.

Wholesale egg prices in the United States (US) have reached an all-time high as an accelerating outbreak of bird flu in laying hens slashes supplies. Citing data from commodity data firm Expana, a report by the news agency Reuters late Saturday (December 21) said that the wholesale prices for large eggs reached $5.77 per dozen in the Midwest on December 18, up 150 per cent from a year ago and topping the previous record of $5.46 from December 2022. Also read | California declares emergency after first severe human case of bird flu emerges in US The average retail price of a dozen eggs exceeded $3.60 in November, up from $2.50 at the start of the year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Only in September was the average price higher, at $3.80. Prices are much higher in California The wholesale prices for eggs were much higher in California, where supplies are further constrained by rules that prohibit farmers from raising hens in cages. There, eggs set an eye-popping record of $8.85 per dozen, Expana said. Reuters reported that the increased prices were a bonanza for farmers who managed to avoid bird flu outbreaks and were not locked into long-term pricing arrangements that helped control costs at some major retailers. The main factor driving the price rise is the damage to the laying flock from bird flu. The virus has wiped out nearly 123 million chickens, turkeys, and other poultry in 49 states (of the US) since the beginning of the current outbreak in 2022. Also watch | Gravitas: Will bird flu cause the next pandemic? Data showed that of the 35 million commercial egg-laying hens killed by bird flu this year, nearly half contracted the virus in the past three months. 61 people infected with bird flu so far this year According to the federal government, bird flu has infected 61 people in the US so far this year. The cases in humans have mostly been mild, though officials confirmed the first severe case last week in Louisiana. The patient from Louisiana was hospitalised in critical condition after suspected contact with an infected backyard flock. (With inputs from agencies)

The rising cost of eggs in the U.S. is denting household budgets. Americans in recent years have increased the number of eggs they consume while reducing their intake of beef and venison, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. WION's Susan Tehrani explains.

Why egg prices have soared 60% in a year

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