Egg prices have been skyrocketing across the country, and unfortunately, it looks like the trend will only continue.

Since the summer of 2023, the cost of a dozen eggs has more than doubled, reaching a near-record high of $4.15 in December.

Although this is still below the $4.82 peak set two years ago, experts from the Agriculture Department are predicting that prices will climb another 20% this year.

Shoppers Face High Costs and Empty Shelves

For many shoppers, the price of eggs has already more than doubled, making it harder to stick to their grocery budget.

In some areas, people are even seeing empty shelves where eggs used to be.

To tackle these shortages, some grocery stores have started limiting the number of egg cartons customers can buy.

It’s become a common sight in some locations, with shoppers reporting the struggle to find eggs and paying much higher prices than they’re used to.

Bird Flu and Supply Shortages Drive Prices Up

A major factor behind these price hikes is the ongoing outbreak of bird flu, which is wreaking havoc on poultry farms across the country.

The virus has forced farmers to cull millions of chickens each month to prevent its spread.

With large egg farms housing over a million chickens, just a few cases of bird flu can cause a massive supply shortage.

Since the start of the current outbreak, over 145 million birds, mainly egg-laying chickens, have been slaughtered, leading to a significant decrease in egg production.

Store Limits and Sky-High Prices Across the Country

In some places like Massachusetts, shoppers are being told they can only buy two cartons of eggs per family at certain Market Basket stores.

Meanwhile, in Las Vegas, residents are finding shelves completely empty, and in parts of California, the average price of eggs has soared to $9 a dozen.

With these kinds of price jumps, many consumers are feeling the pinch.

The Impact of Cage-Free Egg Laws

On top of the bird flu crisis, changes in cage-free egg laws are also contributing to the price increases and supply issues.

New regulations in 10 states require that chickens be given more space or raised in cage-free environments, which can be more expensive for farmers to manage.

As a result, cage-free and organic eggs are already pricier than regular ones, and these laws are only adding to the cost.

In places like Chicago, a dozen large conventional eggs at Target may cost around $4.49, while a dozen cage-free eggs can go for $6.19.

This price gap is pushing more people to reconsider their egg purchases and adjust their budgets accordingly.

Egg Price Increases Outpace Inflation

The cost of eggs has been rising much faster than the overall rate of inflation, making it even more difficult for many Americans to keep up with grocery bills.

According to a CBS News price tracker, the average price of eggs jumped 60% in December compared to the year before.

Meanwhile, the general inflation rate for food was just 2.5% in December, with food prices at home rising by only 0.3%.

This discrepancy is adding extra strain to families already dealing with elevated food costs.

Political Blame Game Over Egg Prices

The soaring price of eggs has even made its way into political discussions.

Former President Donald Trump has faced criticism for the high cost of eggs, despite his earlier promises to reduce grocery prices.

More recently, Vice President JD Vance acknowledged that it will take some time to bring grocery prices down, adding that “there’s a lot of reporting out there” blaming the White House for the rising egg prices.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to questions about the issue by pointing out that the Biden administration and the Department of Agriculture directed the mass culling of 100 million chickens, though she didn’t directly mention the bird flu.

This back-and-forth highlights the complexity of the egg shortage, which has many contributing factors, including the ongoing avian flu crisis.

Consumers Struggling with Egg Price Crisis

For many consumers, the price of eggs has become a significant burden, affecting everything from everyday meals to special occasions.

Minneapolis resident Sage Mills expressed frustration after spending more on eggs than usual to bake a birthday cake.

“Eggs used to be kind of a staple food for us, but now you might as well just go out to eat,” she told AP News.

With these ongoing price increases, it seems that egg prices will remain a hot topic as the year continues.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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