-Written by Renuka Damayanthi
(Lanka-e-News -27.Sep.2024, 11.10 pm) Egg prices, which had risen to Rs. 65-70 in the past, are now available to consumers at Rs. 30, including transportation costs. Sarath Rathnayake, the chairman of the All Ceylon Egg Producers Association, stated that the price could decrease further. In some areas, egg prices have reportedly dropped to Rs. 28. Despite the decline in price, egg consumption remains essential to meet daily nutritional needs, especially for children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.
According to Ranjith Withanage, the Chairman of the National Movement for Consumer Rights Protection, there is a direct political link to the sudden drop in egg prices after the new President took office. He claims that the increase in the price of consumer goods, like eggs and rice, was supported by a mafia under the patronage of corrupt politicians. However, it is unclear whether this claim is merely his opinion or can be proven with evidence. If the mafia exists, he has a responsibility to disclose the involved parties' names to the public.
During the election campaigns, eggs were reportedly in high demand for the food needs of political supporters and contributors, causing prices to rise. Once the election was over, the demand for eggs decreased, causing prices to fall again. Others claim that the sudden halt in the use of chemical fertilizers during Gotabaya Rajapaksa's time affected chicken farms, leading to a drop in production. Some believe the current reduction in egg prices is a result of the previous government's failure to avert the crisis in poultry farming.
Eggs are not only consumed as food but are also widely used in food production, especially in bakery products. With the recent drop in egg prices, one would expect the prices of these food items to decrease as well. For instance, during the time when an egg cost Rs. 65-70, egg hoppers were sold for Rs. 120. Based on the previous prices, one could estimate that Rs. 70 was for the egg and Rs. 50 for the hopper. Similarly, egg roti, which was sold for Rs. 150, should now be priced at Rs. 100. However, no such price reduction has been observed.
N.K. Jayawardena, the Chairman of the All Ceylon Bakery Producers Association, noted that during the time of high egg prices, bakery production was severely affected, as they couldn’t source sufficient egg supplies. Despite this, he mentioned that his association did not intend to pass the entire cost burden onto consumers. He called upon bakery owners to pass on the benefits of the lower egg prices to consumers. He also warned that if egg prices were to rise again, it would be difficult to increase the prices of bakery products in response.
There are reports that certain egg suppliers provide smaller eggs at a lower price, about Rs. 5 less than regular-sized eggs, to some eateries. Although this practice is not widespread, it shows that some restaurants are taking unfair advantage of egg prices. Recently, the Consumer Affairs Authority issued a statement urging bakery and hotel owners to pass on the benefits of lower egg prices to consumers. They also announced that island-wide inspections would be conducted to ensure that prices are clearly displayed.
As President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has highlighted reducing the cost of living as one of his top priorities, the government now faces the challenge of addressing the misuse of egg prices and ensuring fair pricing for the public.
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by (2024-09-27 17:52:08)
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