Govt Considers Price Control on Eggs Amid Rising Costs
The government of Antigua and Barbuda is considering adding eggs to the list of price-controlled items due to the rising cost of eggs, according to Prime Minister Gaston Browne.
INCNews247 reports that the move comes after the Antigua and Barbuda Layer Farmers’ Association announced a wholesale price increase of $14 per dozen, effective next Monday.
Prime Minister Browne expressed concern over the “disproportionate” price hikes, stating that farmers have increased prices by 20-30% despite only a 10% increase in input costs.
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However, farmers argue that price controls alone may not address the broader challenges facing the industry, citing high operational costs such as feed, vehicle maintenance, and refrigeration.
Adrian Hall, Managing Director of the Layer Farmers’ Association, suggested that the government implement subsidies and tax waivers to ease farmers’ operational costs.
Hall also noted that promised subsidies for utilities have not yet been fulfilled, leaving farmers to bear the increased costs.
The government’s potential move to control egg prices may offer some relief to consumers, but farmers say additional support is needed to keep the industry sustainable.
