Overview

• During the final leaders’ debate, Peter Dutton guessed eggs cost $4.20, a price last seen over five years ago, while Anthony Albanese estimated $7, closer to current prices.
• Moderator Mark Riley clarified that eggs currently cost $8.80 at Coles and $8.50 at Woolworths, reflecting a significant rise due to avian influenza impacts.
• Egg prices have increased 11.9% over the past year, driven by the culling of up to 3 million hens following the 2024 bird flu outbreak in Victoria.
• Coles and Woolworths have implemented two-carton purchase limits in some states, while Aldi has not imposed restrictions, highlighting varying retail strategies.
• Egg supply is projected to take six months to three years to normalize, with industry constraints and consumer demand keeping prices elevated.