Egg prices soaring in other countries, too —DA

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday said the soaring egg prices are not exclusive to the country but are currently a global issue.

Data from the latest DA price monitoring showed medium-sized eggs are priced at P9 per piece in several markets in Metro Manila, Bernadette Reyes reported on “24 Oras."

However, the agency said prices should not go as high as their current rate if it will be based on the production costs.

“Mayroon po tayong nakita na P6.20 na cost to produce tapos syempre may iba pang incidental cost P7 pero again to factor in agricultural input at P7.20 tapos 'yung byahero plus retailer ang per piece po hindi po dapat aabot ng P9 per piece ang itlog,” said DA Assistant Secretary Kristine Evangelista said.

(We saw P6.20 as production costs and other incidental costs of P7. We also have to factor in agricultural input of P7.20, the deliveries, and retailers but egg costs should not go as high as P9 per piece.)

According to the latest survey of the Philippine Egg Board (PEB), farmgate prices in various parts of the country are as follows: P5.93 per piece in Cebu, P6.50 in Laguna, and P9 in Iloilo.

PEB likewise said the increasing prices are also a problem in other countries including Japan, the United States (US), and New Zealand.

Data from GMA News Research found egg prices in New Zealand are at P20.76 per piece, P17.59 per piece in the US, P11.41 per piece in the United Kingdom, and P8.58 per piece in Japan.

“Hindi lamang ito sa Pilipinas nararanasan but we are open din to look for a solution that will protect our producers,” Evangelista added.

(This is not a problem only here in the Philippines but we are open to looking for a solution that will protect our producers.)

One of the solutions to lower the prices is to reduce the production costs of egg farming, according to the DA.

But for the Philippine Egg Board Association (PEBA), it is important to consult all stakeholders and study the additional costs incurred in selling eggs.

“Kausapin din nila 'yung mga middleman, 'yung mga byahero tsaka 'yung mga retailers para tanungin nila bakit ganoon,” PEBA chairperson Gregorio San Diego said.

(They should also consult the middleman, retailers, and those who deliver. They should ask them about the increasing costs.)—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News