AZE.US
Egg prices have fallen sharply in Azerbaijan, with some stores selling white eggs for as little as 1 gapik, or less than 1 U.S. cent, each. Yellow eggs were reportedly offered for 3 gapiks, or about 2 U.S. cents.
Local TV reports said the unusually low prices quickly attracted buyers, and discounted eggs sold out in several stores. Sellers confirmed that prices have dropped noticeably in recent days.
In some shops, eggs fell from 18 gapiks, or about 11 U.S. cents, to 9 gapiks, or about 5 U.S. cents. In others, prices declined from 19 gapiks, or about 11 U.S. cents, to 13 gapiks, or about 8 U.S. cents. Some stores are also offering eggs for 5, 8, 9 or 10 gapiks each, roughly 3 to 6 U.S. cents.
Residents say the price drop is seasonal. Demand for eggs usually declines in summer, while production increases. Some buyers said homemade eggs have also become cheaper. Eggs that previously cost 40-50 gapiks, about 24-29 U.S. cents, can now be found for around 30 gapiks, or about 18 U.S. cents.
Murvat Hasanli, chairman of the public association of poultry and egg producers and exporters, said the sharp decline is linked to several factors.
According to him, one of the main reasons is seasonal. In spring and summer, higher temperatures and longer daylight hours increase the productivity of laying hens. As a result, more eggs enter the market, pushing prices down.
Another factor is higher production. In recent years, new poultry farms have started operating, while existing producers have increased output. When supply exceeds demand, prices fall.
Hasanli also said exports have weakened recently. Lower sales to foreign markets and restrictions in some countries have left more products on the domestic market.
At the same time, egg consumption has dropped during the summer season. In winter, daily demand in Azerbaijan reached around 6 million eggs, while now it is about 3 million.
Experts say the decline in egg prices may continue until the end of the summer.
AZE.US