Eggs may become dearer

The price of Bahraini eggs may go up by at least eight times during the next couple of years, DT has learnt. This is due to the domino effect caused by the rise in fuel prices that will continue to increase till 2019.

A source at the General Poultry Company, the country’s only egg producer, told DT News that “a 500 fils increase in the price of egg is expected in the next couple of years, as the value of necessary fuels in the business is progressively increasing.” The official, who wished not to be named, said, “Diesel is an important element in the eggs’ production industry.”

He explained further, saying, “We import chicken from Saudi Arabia and raise them here. Diesel is needed to keep the chicken warm in incubators, so they would later produce eggs. Removing diesel subsidies would surely have an impact on the industry. Besides, the rise in gasoline price, adds to transportation expenses. The industry will also be affected by the increase of electricity and water fees.”

The source added that the company was seeking alternative solutions to cope with the challenges without affecting consumers.

“The demand for locally produced eggs is increasing in the market, especially during winter. Another factor that affects our business is the lack of Saudi produced eggs in local markets, as the government there had imposed new fees on exports," he revealed.

Bahrain had recently increased diesel, gasoline and kerosene prices.  

The decision comes within the Kingdom’s scheme to redirect subsidies to only benefit citizens. Energy Minister Dr. Abdulhussain Mirza announced that these steps would save the country hundreds of millions of Bahraini dinars.