An analysis of fluctuations in prices of basic edible goods during the year to March 16 shows eggs had the highest annual price rise, going up by around 34%.
The noticeable rise in egg prices is due to the outbreak of avian flu that led to the cull of some 27 million chickens and inflicted losses to the tune of about half a billion dollars. Subsequently, both chicken and egg supplies were reduced and prices went up, IRNA reported.
According to the CEO of Livestock Affairs Support Company, affiliated with the Ministry of Agriculture, the outbreak has now been contained.
The government turned to imports during the outbreak to fill the market void and meet domestic demand.
Domestically produced eggs were sold at 190,000 rials (around $3.8) per carton of 30 eggs and imported eggs were sold at 126,000 rials (around $2.52) during the week to March 16.
Following eggs, red meat and fresh fruits had the highest annual price growth among the basic goods last year, up by 11.7% and 10.8% respectively.
Iran’s egg output in the current fiscal year (started March 21) is predicted to reach 900,000 tons,” Deputy Agriculture Minister Hassan Rokni said.
Rokni noted that 70% of the culled chickens have been replaced so far.
“Iran’s per capita egg consumption is estimated to be 11.5 kilograms, which is 2 kilograms higher than the global average,” he added.
