Egg and potato shortage in shops, unaffordable prices in the markets

The new price caps for potatoes and eggs might be more of a problem than a help. An average family might be able to save about one euro a month thanks to the new action. At the same time, shops might run out of these items altogether. In the markets, though, the price of these might become unaffordable. In many shops, a limit on the purchasable amount was already introduced.

Many shops had to introduce a limitation on the purchasable amount of eggs and potatoes due to the uncertainty, reports RTL.hu. The new price caps seem to have been much more of a harmful action rather than a help. Without the limits, shops could have quickly run out of these items. However, in the markets, the price caps are not enforced. Therefore, the prices could rise to the skies as we are approaching Christmas.

Possible shortages

The maximisation is not yet national practice. The franchises do not require their individual shops to introduce these limitations. However, most chains want to upkeep the undisturbed and continuous supply for people as long as possible. The problem is that due to the lowered prices, shops could experience a shortage. However, the markets have no obligations to fix their prices, so there the cost of these items might skyrocket.

• Read also: Serious of to be expected in Hungary due to price freeze

The problem is further exacerbated by the fact that suppliers might choose to rather sell their products to markets instead of shops. This is because without the price caps, the profit can be higher in the markets for them too. On the one hand, farmers lose profits, on the other hand, families do not win that much. An average family can save about one euro for each every month with the new price caps. This means about four to five eggs each month more for them. However, due to the shortages, they might be forced to buy their eggs in the markets, where the prices will be a lot higher. Ultimately, the whole situation seems like a loss for everyone. Although, only time can tell whether the predictions will become reality or not.

Official information is scarce, but the union of egg producers said that if the incomes do not cover their expenses, then shortages can be expected in the medium term. For now, the price in the shops and at the markets remain equal, but it might not last long. Managers already stated that they do not know when the next supply of eggs or potatoes will come. This whole situation is not helped by the poor harvests this year.

Read alsoHungarian vegetables in danger: many may run out by the end of this year

Source: RTL.hu