As Christmas approaches…
CHICKEN prices have remained stable on the market but, as Christmas Day approaches, that of eggs has increased and is expected to continue rising over the next few days.
A visit to several poultry producers and supermarkets, yesterday, revealed that eggs are being sold for as much as $900 per tray of 24 and chicken costs between $280 and $360 a pound.
About the hike in egg prices countrywide, an employee of Edun’s Poultry and Hatchery on East Bank Demerara said that, as suppliers they have a structured price attached to eggs and are unable to control the retail price of it.
If there is an increased demand, especially at this time, it is expected that the market price would go up. and the suppliers are unable to do anything about it.
Ms. Marianne Dewar, a vendor in Bourda Market, said eggs are being sold by her for $1,200 per tray.
“I am selling at that price because I pay almost $800 for a tray. So, I have to make back my money,” she asserted.
Dewar said she expects the price to further increase by tomorrow, because quite a few persons will be made to pay extra during the last minute rush.
One such customer, Marcia Ince declared that the cost of eggs is too high and she has to reduce the quantity she will buy.
Ridiculous
“I think the egg prices are ridiculous.I will see what is happening after the New Year, then I will do my baking,” she indicated.
At grocery stores and shops in New Amsterdam, Berbice, customers were paying $1,000 for eggs in a tray and the same, as in the city, for chicken.
Proprietor of Kassim and Sons Poultry and Meat Supplies in New Amsterdam, Mr. Shazamadeen Kassim said the current prices charged are the result of the demand by producers.
He said, prior to the onset of the festive season, consumers were able to buy eggs for $600 a tray.
“At the beginning of December, the price was low but now the farmers are calling high prices and we now have to charge the customers more if we want to continue supplying,” Kassim said.
He, however, indicated that despite the higher price, the need has risen and there is a steady supply from the producers.
“We sold more than 160 trays of eggs today and ordered an additional 100. We are getting a steady supply from Georgetown,” Kassim disclosed.
He explained that the increased price is a direct consequence of the increase in the cost of poultry feed, from $4,100 to $4,900 per bag.
“Of course, if feed goes up, then eggs will, too,” Kassim posited.
He said, though, chicken price is low and it is available for $220 per pound in most parts of New Amsterdam.