The rising cost of feed and the spread of the bird flu epidemic drove the wholesale price of eggs in Japan to a record high of 327 yen (RM10.4) per kilogram in February, the highest level since records began to be kept in 1993.
According to the Central News Agency (CNA), which cited the Japan Broadcasting Association (NHK), the standard wholesale price for a kilogram of M-size eggs in Tokyo this month was 327 yen, an increase of 152 yen (approximately RM4.9) or 86% from the same month last year.
In December of last year, the average price of an egg reached 284 yen (roughly RM9), a record high since statistics have been kept. This month, however, the average cost of an egg increased by 43 yen (roughly RM1.4) from its previous level of 284 yen.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine led to high prices of corn and other feedstuffs. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, the avian flu epidemic continued to spread at the beginning of this year, leading to a significant reduction in egg supply. This season, however, the Russian invasion of Ukraine led to high prices of corn and other feedstuffs, and the avian flu epidemic led to a resurgence in egg prices.
As a result of the decline in egg shipments, the government has asked chicken farmers to prioritize retailers to meet general household demand. This has had a knock-on effect on the outdoor food industry and supermarkets, which have gradually been unable to provide some dishes and goods that usually use eggs.
The Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries has stated that although the avian flu epidemic usually slows down after March, they will continue closely monitoring the situation.
