If it seems like the dozen eggs you just bought were extra pricey, you weren’t imagining it.
The price index for wholesale eggs surged a record 84.5% last month, according to the US Labor Department. That followed a 56% increase in May, the previous monthly record.
Retail prices are rising, too, costing more than $2.50/dozen. However, adjusting for inflation, prices are still about $0.50 lower than highs seen in 1984.
Avian flu has affected more than 48 million birds in the US at the USDA’s last count, the majority of which are laying hens. With egg stocks low, restaurant chains are being forced to change menu options. Whataburger shortened breakfast hours in June, for example, and Panda Express is now using corn in its fried rice instead of eggs.
While the flu seems to be abating, demand for eggs tends to increase in the fall, which means prices are likely to go up, CNN Money reports.