Why are Eggs So Much More Expensive and Difficult to Find Here?
My Kingdom for a Dozen Eggs
The long lines at the local grocery or warehouse store are reminiscent of the early days of iPhone releases. But this time, it’s not smart phones or tech causing the latest round of panic buying across the nation. It’s eggs, a suddenly scarce commodity.
If you’ve tried to buy eggs lately, chances are you’ve run into sizable waits, hoarding, purchase limitations, or empty aisles. While there’s confusion on why eggs are so expensive in California, my colleague Caroline Petrow-Cohen attempted to provide some answers.
Why Are Eggs So Expensive?
The primary factor behind the jump in egg prices is an avian flu epidemic, which has led to the deaths of more than 21 million chickens, including 13 million in December alone. There have been confirmed outbreaks of avian influenza in eight states, including California.
"This virus is historically unprecedented," said Sanjay Sharma, an adjunct professor of finance and business economics at USC’s Marshall School of Business. "The reason for the egg shortage is very clear. Birds are getting this flu and they have to be culled as quickly as possible."
The Situation in California
As eggs become scarcer and suppliers struggle to keep up with demand, prices will rise. The cost of a dozen eggs has risen 15% over the last four weeks, and prices are higher on the West Coast. California egg prices are particularly high because the state relies largely on its own production of eggs, which has been diminished by the influenza outbreak. Forty percent of eggs consumed in California are produced in the state, Sharma said.
How Long Will the Scarcity Last?
Egg prices will likely return to normal once the chicken population is replenished and eggs are being produced at a normal rate, said Dominick Miserandino, chief executive of RetailWire. However, how long that takes depends on the course of the disease and farmer operations.
What Can I Do to Save Money?
There’s no need to hoard eggs, experts said. Most grocers that are implementing restrictions on eggs are limiting shoppers to two dozen per trip. Sharma said he’s heard of instances of shoppers buying as many as 500 eggs from Costco in one trip. He suspects they are reselling them to restaurants and bakeries at a lower price than other suppliers.
Are There Any Other Groceries That Could See Similar Spikes?
Labor Department data show that several grocery items have become more expensive since last year, including ground beef, milk, and fresh chicken. If President Trump successfully implements his steep tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, produce prices could soar.
Conclusion
Egg prices are at an all-time high, and people get quite nervous. The simple advice would be, don’t panic and do the research. By understanding the reasons behind the price hike, consumers can make informed decisions about their egg purchases and avoid hoarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long will the egg shortage last?
A: Egg prices will likely return to normal once the chicken population is replenished and eggs are being produced at a normal rate.
Q: Why are eggs so expensive in California?
A: California egg prices are particularly high because the state relies largely on its own production of eggs, which has been diminished by the influenza outbreak. Forty percent of eggs consumed in California are produced in the state.
Q: Is there anything I can do to save money?
A: There’s no need to hoard eggs. Most grocers that are implementing restrictions on eggs are limiting shoppers to two dozen per trip.
