Food inflation hits households as egg, chicken, and milk prices surge

Rising prices for essential food items including eggs, chicken, milk, and vegetables are significantly impacting household budgets. Over the past year, poultry and dairy products have seen price increases ranging from 30% to 40%.

Egg prices have risen by approximately 35% to 38.7%, with retail costs increasing from 6 rupees to as much as 12 rupees per piece in some markets. Chicken prices have also climbed by 30% to 40%, reaching approximately 330 rupees per kilogram. In the dairy sector, companies such as Amul and Mother Dairy have increased milk prices by 2 to 4 rupees per liter due to rising costs.

A report from Crisil Intelligence indicates that the cost of a vegetarian meal has also seen an upward trend. A primary driver is the 43% annual increase in onion prices, attributed to supply shortages caused by unseasonal rain and hailstorms in Maharashtra. Additionally, fluctuations in cooking oil and LPG prices, alongside international supply chain pressures, continue to contribute to the rising cost of living.