Cape Town – South Africans are upset about the recent surge in egg prices, with a tray of 30 eggs now costing over R129.99 and 60 eggs priced at R239.99.
This price increase is causing concern in a country where eggs are a dietary staple, and the cost of living has been steadily rising, Zululand Observer reported.
Again Supermarkets that claim they help and assist with monthly grocery bill HIKES egg prices because of the bird flu. Why increase the price of eggs, they do not manufacture them, or is this just an opportunity to RIP off the consumer again. Why charge R100 more GreatPrice TSK pic.twitter.com/JH4V49tg3w
— JO (@AllThingsImport) October 5, 2023
The main reason for these price hikes is the outbreak of avian flu, which is affecting the poultry industry in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Avian flu can infect all types of birds, with wild ducks being natural hosts and more resistant to the disease.
Chickens and turkeys are particularly vulnerable.
Outbreaks of HPAI H5 have been reported in the Western Cape and KZN, while HPAI H7 has been found in Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and the North West. Measures are in place to control the spread of the disease, and farmers are advised to follow biosecurity guidelines.
Why are egg prices so high nowadays sighs
— Sherryiell. (@eteancelle) October 3, 2023
Avian flu poses a threat to food security, leading to trade restrictions on fertile eggs, table eggs, and poultry meat. The government and industry are also exploring the possibility of developing vaccines to combat the disease.
Meanwhile, in response to the ongoing crisis, supermarket giants Woolworths and Pick n Pay are reportedly taking decisive measures to cope with the severe egg shortage, with other retailers closely monitoring the situation.
According to Times Live, Woolworths, a prominent player in the South African retail landscape, has taken the lead by implementing a temporary rationing system for its customers.
Under this new policy, customers are limited to purchasing six eggs per visit unless the store still has remaining stocks of 18 or 36 egg packs. This move aims to ensure that the available egg supply is distributed fairly among consumers, the report said.
“Woolworths has been monitoring the avian flu situation carefully both locally and internationally, and we are following strict biosecurity protocols to protect our hens as best we can,” the report quoted the retailer as saying in a statement on Tuesday.
The Competition Commission says rationing the number of eggs consumers can buy will keep prices stable and ensure lower-income households can still buy some. This is as the poultry industry reels from the highly infectious avian flu. Retailers across the country have started… pic.twitter.com/5zWfnQgZiL
— eNCA (@eNCA) October 6, 2023
Woolworths acknowledged the strain on their supply chain, echoing the challenges faced by the broader market. They assured customers that the limitation on whole egg purchases is a temporary measure. The retailer expressed its gratitude for the patience and understanding exhibited by its loyal customer base during these trying times.
Pick n Pay, another major supermarket chain, is also preparing to impose restrictions on egg purchases., the report said.
They plan to limit customers to one or two egg packs per visit, depending on the region. The grocery giant is actively collaborating with suppliers to manage their stock efficiently, especially in areas where suppliers have been affected by the avian flu outbreak.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
