Bhutan Faces Egg Price Surge Amid Poultry Supply Disruptions

Rising egg prices in Bhutan have been linked to disruptions in the country’s poultry sector, with the government saying poor production planning and reduced farm output caused the current shortage.

Latest market data showed egg prices rose by 11.59 percent since December last year, while edible oil increased by 15.65 percent, even as prices of most other goods began to stabilise.

Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Younten Phuntsho, said the egg shortage followed an oversupply of about 149,800 day-old chicks in 2023, which led to excess production and falling prices for farmers.

He said many poultry farmers recorded losses after egg prices dropped below production cost, forcing some to reduce operations or leave the business.

The ministry said fewer chicks were purchased for the next production cycle, resulting in lower numbers of laying birds this year and reduced egg supply across the country.

Officials said the shortage is expected to ease from this month as new birds begin laying, with local production projected to meet Bhutan’s monthly demand of nearly 11 million eggs by October.

To address the shortage, the government has approved controlled egg imports through Food Corporation of Bhutan Limited and Bhutan Livestock Development Corporation Limited to stabilise supply and limit further price increases.