Prices soared in January as millions of chickens were killed to contain a bird flu virus. Several major retailers have imposed limits on purchases.
Egg prices in the United States have surged to an all-time high, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The index for eggs rose 15.2 percent in January, marking the largest monthly increase since June 2015, according to the data. Over the past 12 months, egg prices have skyrocketed by 53 percent, significantly contributing to the overall 6.1 percent annual rise in the meats, poultry, fish, and eggs index.
According to the CPI data, the cost of a dozen Grade A eggs in U.S. cities reached an average of $4.95 in January, surpassing the previous record of $4.82 set in 2023. This price is more than double the recent low of $2.04 recorded in August 2023, and experts warn that further increases may be on the horizon.
The primary factor is an ongoing bird flu outbreak that has devastated commercial poultry farms nationwide.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that more than 23 million birds were slaughtered last month alone in an effort to contain the virus, following the culling of more than 18 million in December. Since the outbreak began in 2022, millions of egg-laying hens have been affected, leading to a significant reduction in supply.
Egg farmers also face rising operational costs due to inflation, including higher expenses for feed, fuel, and labor.
Additionally, many farmers are investing in enhanced biosecurity measures to protect their flocks, adding to production costs.
The situation has been exacerbated by state-level regulations mandating cage-free egg production, which limits supply and increases prices.
Ten states, including California, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Washington, now require that eggs sold within their borders come from cage-free hens, making supply disruptions even more pronounced when outbreaks occur at affected farms.
As Easter approaches, prices could climb higher due to increased demand. Historically, egg prices tend to spike around the holiday as consumers purchase more eggs for baking and decorating. The USDA has predicted that prices may rise another 20 percent this year.
Beyond high costs, some consumers are also struggling to find eggs on store shelves.
By Chase Smith
