Why are eggs in Spain so expensive? CSN News

Tuesday, 18th March 2025 at 22:53

Spain’s consumer group, the OCU has warned that eggs are now a pricey item for consumers. OCU, a consumer group that closely monitors price trends, says category M eggs have risen an average 25,2% since April 20,24. The OCU noted that “this rise occurred only in the past two weeks”.

Every month, we examine the prices of about a hundred basic groceries and publish them in our price watcher. We know, therefore, that the cost of the cheapest dozen eggs M in the supermarket was between 2,07 and 2,10 euros in February. On 12 March, the same eggs cost 2.60 euros at most Spanish supermarket chains. “The price of large eggs rose to about 2.80 euro”, said the OCU.

According to the organization the price of large egg has increased by an average 15.4% since April 2024. The cost of free-range eggs is about 20% more than organic eggs.

What’s behind these price hikes and why?

According to OCU, there are several factors that explain the increase in price within two weeks. They first point out the avian influenza crisis in the USA. “Egg supplies are in trouble in America: outbreaks in chicken farms of avian virus have forced millions of hens to be culled. As a result, the expected outcome of a reduced supply is, naturally, lowered supply and increased prices. This can also cause producers in other countries to increase their exports.

The OCU also says that the fear of the avian virus spreading to Europe has an effect on prices. There is a high risk that an epidemic will start. Preventive measures are being taken, and controls are being tightened to avoid this. This means an increase in the production costs which would have an obvious impact on the prices at source.

Videos, social media posts, etc., are also important in today’s globalised environment. The OCU said that individuals discussing price increases and comparing egg costs creates an environment in which we expect a crisis.

It is important to avoid any further market movements at this time. The OCU is vigilant and asks the administrations for a close monitoring of the egg price to prevent speculation and unjustified rises in prices that hurt consumers.