Patna, Jan. 5: Be prepared to spend more on omlette or boiled egg.

With a dip in temperature, eggs have started costing much more. Several markets in the city are selling eggs at a price of Rs 60 per dozen.

Parvez Khan, a wholesale dealer of eggs near R-Block, said: “The price of eggs has increased because of the high demand in market. In summer, eggs cost between Rs 36 and 40 per dozen, because their demand is low. We are buying eggs from poultry farms at higher rates and selling them with a profit margin in the open market. The price of eggs may touch Rs 80 even Rs 90 per dozen soon. There is no mechanism to control the price.”

Customers have expressed serious concern over the trend of increase in prices of every kitchen item. Many pointed out that after the price rise of onions and cooking gas, even eggs are not being left out.

Akash Sinha, a customer in the Meethapur area said: “The cost of eggs have increased too much in the past couple of days. We are having to pay Rs 6 per piece of broiler and Rs 7 for desi. This is simple unbearable. The demand of eggs increase every winter, but that does not mean that the cost would go so high.”

Desi eggs are being sold at Rs 72 per dozen, said a retail shopowner Mantu. He said: “I know the price of the egg is very high but we can’t do anything. This is the season when we earn some profit.”

A wholesaler, Raghu Yadav in Bankarganj area said: “The demand for eggs has gone up manifold. At the same time, the supply has dipped, as hens take a break in winter and their egg production slows down. But there are some poultry farms who opt to install lights to extend the hens perceived light hours to increase the number of eggs for the hens. But this way, things become very expensive.”