Shortage Of Eggs Reported In UK (Photos)

Britain's egg crisis deepens as shoppers continue to face shortages and spiralling costs, as some packets double in price compared to last year

Britain's egg crisis is deepening as shoppers continue to face shortages and spiralling prices.

Some packs cost almost twice as much as they did a year ago, while in many shops they are simply not available, particularly in supermarkets in larger towns and cities.

Over the past month alone, a third of eggs on sale in the biggest nine supermarkets rose in price, according to The Grocer magazine.

That followed a round of price rises in November, when shortages in shops first became noticeable.

The biggest increase over the past month was a six-pack of free-range eggs at Asda, up 18 per cent to £1.95, according to the data supplied to The Grocer by analysts Assosia.

Egg suppliers said availability should improve this month, since demand tends to peak over the Christmas period.

But increases in supply to end shortages will take three months to allow suppliers to up production, said British Free Range Egg Producers Association boss Robert Gooch.