Hyderabad, Nov. 14 -- Egg prices in Hyderabad have witnessed a steep rise in the past few days after holding steady for almost three months, adding to the financial burden on consumers amid an increase in the cost of essential commodities.

The wholesale price, which hovered around Rs 80 per dozen since the first week of August, climbed to Rs 90 four to five days ago and has now reached Rs 96. The Rs 16 increase within a short span has also pushed retail prices from Rs 6-7 to Rs 7.50-8 per egg.

Traders attribute the increase to tight supplies, lower production and a decline in the number of birds in poultry farms. Reports of bird deaths and reduced productivity have affected the availability of eggs in the market, while poultry farmers a...