The price of eggs at different points of sale in Mexico has experienced an unexpected increase, rising by up to 10 pesos in places such as corner stores, public markets, supermarkets, and self-service stores. Within a week, the cost per kilogram of eggs skyrocketed, reaching even 70 pesos.
By visiting various establishments, it has been verified that the average price of this product has increased from 35 to 42 pesos per kilo in the most accessible locations, reflecting a rise of seven pesos or 20% in seven days. In neighborhood stores, where families make frequent purchases, the kilo of eggs has increased from 42 to 48 pesos, representing an actual increment of 14.28%.
In public markets and street markets in Mexico City and the State of Mexico, the cost of eggs has varied from 46 to 52 pesos per kilo, with a weekly increase of six pesos, leading to a 13% rise in price for consumers. On the other hand, in supermarkets and self-service stores, the price of eggs reaches up to 63 pesos per kilo, meaning an additional payment of 10 pesos or an 18.55% increase in one week.
According to Guadalupe Hernández, an egg distributor in the Mexico Valley, this price increase is due to two main reasons: the recent cold wave affecting the production of laying hens and the increase in demand for eggs for the preparation of the famous 'pan de muerto'. This situation causes the production of eggs to decrease and demand to increase by up to 30%, especially in bakeries like Malena Villas, which has experienced a 50% increase in egg consumption to meet the demand for 'pan de muerto'.
The president of the National Alliance of Small Merchants (Anpec), Cuauhtémoc Rivera, has pointed out that the constant rise in egg prices has caused a crisis regarding this product. Although prices have not yet reached the record 90 pesos per kilo as during the Covid-19 pandemic, the current increase in egg prices ranges from 50% to 70% compared to the annual average. Rivera emphasizes that, unlike other proteins, eggs are a fundamental food in the diet of Mexican families, and their price increase equally affects all consumers.
In the face of rising egg prices, reaching up to 70 pesos per kilo in stores, Rivera highlights that, despite being the most accessible protein, the price could continue to rise, which would force consumers to purchase it despite the increase. Regarding other proteins, chicken, beef, and fish have also experienced price increases, further complicating the situation for families.
