Assam reports fresh spike in egg and bread prices

The Sentinel Assam reported on May 20 that egg and bread prices had risen again across Assam, with traders and consumers describing another increase in two everyday staples. The report said egg prices in markets across the state moved higher on Monday, while bread prices for major brands also increased the same day. The latest rise follows an earlier jump in egg prices reported in late April. The regional report did not cite any immediate comment from Assam’s Food and Civil Supplies Department. ### How much have egg prices moved in Assam? According to traders cited by The Sentinel Assam, a tray of eggs that was around Rs 170 in the last week of April had already risen to Rs 200 and then to Rs 220 in the second week of May. From Monday, the report said, the price moved up again to Rs 230 per tray in several markets across Assam. (sentinelassam.com) The same report said ordinary eggs brought in from Andhra Pradesh, Punjab and West Bengal also became more expensive, with prices rising from around Rs 200 to Rs 210 per tray. In an earlier April 25 report, The Sentinel Assam said a tray had climbed from Rs 170 to Rs 200 and a carton from Rs 1,150 to Rs 1,200. (sentinelassam.com) ### What changed on bread prices this week? The Sentinel Assam said prices of major bread brands were increased by Rs 5 from Monday. Under those revised rates, a 400-gram loaf rose from Rs 35 to Rs 40, while brown bread also moved from Rs 35 to Rs 40. The report added that some Rs 20 bread packets kept the printed price unchanged but came with lower quantity or weight. (sentinelassam.com) Pratidin Time reported on May 18 that bread prices across Assam had increased by Rs 3 to Rs 5 depending on brand and type, and that revised prices were already appearing on packaging in Guwahati. That report said bread previously sold at Rs 35 was being marked at Rs 40, and bread sold at Rs 40 was moving to Rs 45. (sentinelassam.com) ### What reasons are traders giving for the increases? The All Assam Egg Traders’ Association, as cited by The Sentinel Assam, attributed the egg-price increase to rising temperatures and lower production in egg-producing states. Traders told the paper they feared rates could rise further in coming days. (pratidintime.com) Pratidin Time reported that bread sellers linked their increase to higher raw-material costs sourced from outside the state, and described broader fuel and supply pressures in Assam markets. That outlet also tied the bread move to the same period in which egg prices were rising. (sentinelassam.com) ### How does this compare with national pricing data? The Sentinel Assam said questions had been raised about the scale of the increase in Assam because the National Egg Coordination Committee had reportedly put the national average at around Rs 150 per tray. The report did not include a direct statement from the committee. (pratidintime.com) India’s Department of Consumer Affairs said on its daily price dashboard that it publishes all-India average retail prices for essential commodities each day. The page available on May 21 showed national retail data for items such as rice, wheat, pulses, sugar, milk, oils, vegetables and flour, but the excerpt available did not show eggs or bread in the visible listing. (sentinelassam.com) ### Who is being hit and what comes next? Consumers cited by The Sentinel Assam said repeated increases in daily necessities were adding to pressure on household budgets, and some residents complained about a lack of visible market monitoring or price-control action. The earlier April report said small businesses, eateries and street vendors were also exposed because eggs remain a common low-cost input. (fcainfoweb.nic.in) The next public reference points are likely to be fresh retail quotes from Assam markets and updates on the Department of Consumer Affairs daily price page. Traders cited by The Sentinel Assam said they expected egg rates could increase further in the coming days. (sentinelassam.com)