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Eggs have become extremely expensive due to a severe shortage caused by an ongoing bird flu epidemic. According to the National Average Price, a dozen eggs now cost $4.15 in December 2024 and is unlikely to decrease soon. The shortage stems from millions of egg-laying chickens being killed to control the outbreak, leading to both reduced supply and sharply increased prices at supermarkets.
In some U.S. regions, like California, eggs are priced as high as $8.97 per dozen, a dramatic increase compared to previous years. Availability has dwindled in many areas, with some stores limiting egg purchases or running out of stock entirely. The USDA predicts that egg prices may start to drop back to normal by early 2025, but they will remain elevated throughout the winter due to ongoing demand.
This situation is not new; a severe bird flu outbreak in late 2014 caused egg prices to nearly double, reaching $2.61 per dozen before dropping back down later that year. The current epidemic is even more widespread than previous outbreaks, with over 13 million chickens killed in the last month alone.
For consumers, it may be wise to check local stores for eggs and consider alternatives if baking is necessary during this shortage.
Source: https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/shocked-by-the-cost-of-eggs-heres-whats-going-on