DA determining if trend of high egg prices will continue

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is determining whether the trend of rising egg prices will continue.

Price monitoring data from the DA showed an egg now costs P7 to P9, up from P6 a year ago.

"Para ma-determine natin kung ang presyo ng itlog ay tuloy tuloy na tataas, we have to look into again the cost of production if that is the root cause," DA Assistant Secretary Kristine Evangelista said during the Saturday News Forum at Dapo Restobar in Quezon City.

According to the Philippine Egg Board Association (PEBA), there has been a decrease in egg production in the country due to higher operating expenses for breeders as a result of the increase in hatchling and chicken pellet prices.

Evangelista said that the DA would investigate "layers of traders" if this is what is causing the increase in egg prices. —VBL, GMA Integrated News