Eggs, chicken at record high: Japan’s food staples get pricier
Retail prices of chicken and eggs in Japan surged to their highest level since the government began tracking data in August 2003, JIJI PRESS reports.
According to the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, the national average price of chicken rose by 1 yen from May to 155 yen per 100 grams. Demand for chicken has remained strong as consumers seek affordable protein options amid broader food price increases. Rising costs of imported chicken have further boosted demand for domestic products, driving overall prices higher.
Egg prices also climbed, with the national average for a pack of 10 eggs reaching 309 yen. This matches the record highs previously seen in March and May, largely due to widespread culling of chickens following bird flu outbreaks.
To stabilize supply and prevent sharp price fluctuations, the ministry unveiled a package of measures. These include promoting improved poultry management practices to reduce the need for culling and establishing a public-private study group focused on early detection of infected chickens.
The ministry emphasized that these steps are aimed at ensuring a more resilient supply chain for eggs, which remain particularly vulnerable to disruption caused by avian influenza.
Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that the Bank of Japan (BOJ) had raised its benchmark interest rate to 1%, marking the highest level since 1995.
