India egg prices go up as vegetable prices skyrocket

A high increase in vegetable prices has driven up the price of eggs in India by Re 1 each in Delhi and the National Capital Region, according to reports.
The cost of a dozen eggs has gone up to Rs 45-50 in the NCR. "The rise in vegetable prices has contributed to the increase in prices of eggs, as in many cities the main vegetables are costlier than a dozen eggs," said Poultry Federation of India spokesman Ricky Thaper. "The poor who can not afford vegetables, which are available at exorbitant prices in retail, are preferring eggs in their diet." Onions, tomatoes, garlic and potatoes are among the vegetables most affected by the price increases.
The price of eggs is expected to remain high through January 2011 as consumers earmark a larger portion of their food budgets for them.