📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Jit.roy.chowdhury
Agriculture
Egg Prices Surge 40% as E20 Fuel Policy Hits Poultry Costs
✍️ NDTV
🗓 02 Sep 2026, 04:41 PM
👁 3
Egg prices have jumped about 40% over the past year, driven by higher maize prices, rising ethanol demand under the E20 fuel mandate and seasonal consumption pressures on farmers.
Egg prices across India have risen roughly 40% in the last twelve months, according to market data. The surge is already affecting household budgets and is expected to intensify as winter approaches, when demand for eggs traditionally climbs.
The primary driver is the government's E20 fuel policy, which mandates a 20% ethanol blend in gasoline. Ethanol production relies heavily on maize, pushing corn prices higher. Poultry farmers, who use maize as a key component of bird feed, are seeing their input costs climb sharply.
Seasonal factors add to the strain. Winter festivals and increased consumption of egg‑based dishes raise market demand, while higher feed costs squeeze farmers' margins. Analysts warn that unless feed prices stabilise, the upward trend in egg prices could continue.
Consumers may face further price hikes in the coming months as producers pass on the higher feed expenses. The situation underscores the broader impact of energy and agricultural policies on everyday food items.
The primary driver is the government's E20 fuel policy, which mandates a 20% ethanol blend in gasoline. Ethanol production relies heavily on maize, pushing corn prices higher. Poultry farmers, who use maize as a key component of bird feed, are seeing their input costs climb sharply.
Seasonal factors add to the strain. Winter festivals and increased consumption of egg‑based dishes raise market demand, while higher feed costs squeeze farmers' margins. Analysts warn that unless feed prices stabilise, the upward trend in egg prices could continue.
Consumers may face further price hikes in the coming months as producers pass on the higher feed expenses. The situation underscores the broader impact of energy and agricultural policies on everyday food items.