Agriculture Ministry says winter demand behind ‘temporary’ rise in egg prices

BAGHDAD — The Ministry of Agriculture said Wednesday that the recent increase in egg prices across Iraqi markets is temporary and tied to higher winter demand, adding that authorities are monitoring traders and will intervene if prices rise beyond acceptable levels.

Prices have climbed in Baghdad and other provinces outside the Kurdistan Region. Until recently, 1,000 dinars bought six eggs; today the same amount buys only three.

Deputy Minister Mahdi Saher al-Jubouri told the state news agency that consumption typically rises with the start of winter, requiring higher output from domestic poultry farms. He said the ministry’s price-monitoring department is tracking market activity.

“When we notice an unjustified increase beyond the required level, we take the necessary measures, including opening imports when needed and directing poultry projects to release their full production,” he said.

Al-Jubouri added that the ministry is working with security agencies, including the National Security Service and the Interior Ministry, to monitor traders and speculators attempting to manipulate prices. “These procedures aim to stabilize egg prices in local markets and protect consumers,” he said.

The ministry reiterated that eggs remain widely available and that prices have begun returning to normal following recent interventions to curb hoarding. Officials say a 30-egg tray has stabilized at around 6,000 dinars ($4.26).

Government data shows domestic output continues to grow. Iraq produced an estimated 5.315 billion eggs in 2024, an 11.2% increase from 2023, alongside poultry production that reached 178,300 tons of live chicken, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics. The government has pushed self-sufficiency policies in recent years and restricted imports when necessary to protect local producers.