Egg prices rise ahead of holidays due to low supply, poor feed quality

Egg supply in the country is tightening ahead of the holiday season due to lower production and the quality of chicken feeds, according to the Philippine Egg Board Association (PEBA).

“Ngayong taon po medyo maaga tumaas ang presyo ng itlog. Ang dahilan po nito ay iba’t-ibang mga sakit aside from bird flu and also nagkaproblema tayo sa quality ng raw materials na ginagamit natin sa feeds…Nagkaroon ng temporary na kakulangan ng sisiw,” said PEBA president Francis Uyehara in Bernadette Reyes’ report in “24 Oras” on Wednesday. 

(This year, the price of eggs increased a bit early. The reasons for this are various diseases aside from bird flu, and also we had a problem with the quality of the raw materials we use in the feeds…There was a temporary shortage of chicks.) 

Egg dealers are finding ways to ensure they have enough stock. 

“Meron po kaming supplier, dalawa, tatlo. In case man na magka-short yung isa, may backup na ibang supplier na pwedeng mag-deliver,” said egg dealer Jun Conanan. 

(We have two, three suppliers. In case one runs short, we have a backup supplier who can deliver.) 

With less supply, egg prices are expected to climb. Some eateries are adjusting by switching to smaller egg sizes. 

“Magpapalit kami ng size. Halimbawa, medium, small na lang namin,” said eatery worker Joyce Gonzales. 

(For example, we'll use small eggs instead of medium.) 

The Department of Agriculture’s latest monitoring  shows medium-sized eggs now cost P9.25 each. 

To save money, buyers like Gloria Yamson travel to Blumentritt to buy cheaper eggs. 

“Ngayon dito na kasi malaki ang diperensya, mga P70 sa isang tray. Ang kinukuha namin ay 12 piraso na, ang laki ng nase-save namin,” she said. 

(There's a P70 difference per tray. We buy 12 pieces and save more.) 

PEBA said recovery will take months. 

“It would take time. Kasi ito ay palalakihin pa po natin and siguro five to six months bago ito mahabol and right now, kukulangin na tayo pagdating December,” yehara said. 

(It will take five to six months to raise new chicks. By December, we’ll still be short.) —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News