[Young journalist Siwon Lee] While high inflation is continuing, the price of an egg, “a daily necessity”, is rising again, reaching 7000 krw. Due to an increase in avian influenza, concerns about supply are also becoming intense. 

According to Korea Institute for Animal Products Quality Evaluation (KAPE), since two weeks ago, the average price of a carton of eggs has exceeded 7000 krw. The price, which had remained stable in the 6,000 KRW range, became 7000 krw again within a month. 

Based on last month’s 23rd consumer price, which was 7010 krw, it showed an increase of 8.3% that is 0.8% more expensive than the annual price of 6471 krw.

Prices from egg farms also show a strong increase. According to Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, based on 23rd, a tray of 30 eggs reached 5215 krw, which is 8.5% higher than last year. Also in the Ministry of Data and Statistics (MODS), the price for eggs increased 7.3%, far exceeding the overall livestock price increase of 5.3%. 

The main problem is because of avian influenza. For this year, the illness has occurred for eleven times, which is twice of the report from last year. 

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, over three million laying hens were culled due to avian influenza. This means that 3 to 4 percent of national production of eggs (approximately 50 million) has been reduced.  

Recently, avian influenza is spreading across the whole nation, not showing any decrease. 

The government has stated that there is no big problem yet. The official from) the Ministry of Agriculture stated, “Because of the high price of each carton of eggs, farms are bringing more hens, which actually has higher production than average this year and is similar to last year.” However, the official has said that, “If the number of hens being culled goes over 5 million, it will affect the supply of eggs because it will result in a decrease of 00 million eggs.”

▶원문 기사: 계란 한 판 7000원 돌파…‘산란계 AI’ 확산에 수급불안 우려
 

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