Prices of eggs likely to go up

Increasing the prices of eggs is inevitable unless necessary steps are taken to reduce the cost of production, says the All Island Egg Producers’ Association.

Although the consumers are able to purchase an egg for nearly Rs. 22 at present, these rates are likely to go up, the association pointed out.

Addressing a media briefing held in the Kuliyapitiya area, its chairman Sarath Rathnayake explained that the main reason for this price hike is the recent increase in the prices of corn per kilogram. It previously stood at Rs. 55 – Rs. 60 but now it is sold at Rs. 100, he added.

In addition, the price of soybean and DCP (Dicalcium Phosphate), which are also used as poultry feed, have also gone up, Mr. Rathnayake said further.

Meanwhile, consumers complained that the prices of sugar in the market have soared to exorbitant rates despite the maximum retail price imposed on the product.

As sugar prices exceeded Rs. 200, the government declared the MRP of White Sugar as Rs. 122 per kg (unpacketed) and Rs. 125 per kg (packeted) and listed the MRP of Brown or Red Sugar as Rs. 125 per kg (unpacketed) and Rs. 128 per kg (packeted).

However, the consumers stated that the products are sold for nearly Rs. 150 at certain stores and that some traders conceal the stocks to in a bid to increase the prices.