Bangkok: Egg prices are expected to rise again tomorrow, reaching 3.60 baht. Farmers point to erratic weather and reduced production as reasons for the price increase.

According to Thai News Agency, the network of egg-laying chicken farmer cooperatives has announced an increase in the farm-gate price of mixed chicken eggs from 3.40 baht per egg, by 20 satang per egg, to 3.60 baht per egg, effective March 28, 2026. Mr. Manoch Chutabtim, president of the Egg Producers Association, revealed that egg prices had been continuously low for a long time. Although the announced price was 3.20 baht per egg, the actual trading price at times was pushed down to around 2.70-2.80 baht per egg, resulting in losses for farmers, especially small-scale farmers. The price was then adjusted up to 3.40 baht per egg on March 16th.

This price adjustment aligns with market mechanisms. The main factor contributing to the price increase is the extremely hot and erratic weather, with alternating hot and rainy periods, making it difficult for hens to adapt, affecting their health and reducing egg production. With consumer demand remaining high, especially during economic slowdowns, people are turning to eggs as an inexpensive source of protein, leading to increased market demand.

Mr. Manoch stated that energy factors such as oil prices indirectly affect production, particularly transportation costs and animal feed raw materials, but they are not the primary factors determining prices in the short term. Meanwhile, the Department of Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce, has held discussions with the Thai Feed Manufacturers Association and requested cooperation from businesses to help freeze the prices of animal feed raw materials to mitigate the impact on farmers' production costs and alleviate the public's living costs.

Looking ahead, the long-term situation needs to be monitored, especially the impact of the conflict in the Middle East, which could affect global oil prices, the cost of transporting animal feed raw materials, and domestic electricity costs. If these pressures persist, they will impact production costs in the future. The government has confirmed that there is still a sufficient supply of chicken eggs for consumption and there is no shortage. They urged the public not to panic and predicted that the price of chicken eggs, at 3.60 baht per egg, will remain stable for the next 2-3 weeks, or at least until after the Songkran festival, before reassessing the situation.