TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The head of the Ministry of Agriculture's (MOA, 農業部) announced Monday (Nov. 18) that the government will initiate inspections if egg prices show monopolistic behavior. Despite current farm and wholesale prices at NT$26.5 and NT$36 per catty, respectively, an oversupply persists, drawing criticism following two consecutive price hikes.
Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季) addressed the controversy before the Economics Committee (立法院經濟委員會) reviewed the 2025 central government budget. He noted that egg prices fluctuate with seasonal changes and anticipated stabilization as winter demand increases due to dishes like hot pot (火鍋) and sesame oil chicken (麻油雞).
Moreover, Chen emphasized that egg farmers' self-regulation, including culling older hens, will stabilize prices. Chen stressed that egg prices depend on supply and demand according to economic principles, and any abnormal fluctuations will prompt inspections by agencies such as the Fair Trade Commission (公平交易委員會).
The MOA's latest data reveals that domestic production includes approximately 36.3 million laying hens, with a daily output of 125,500 boxes, exceeding the daily demand of 120,000 boxes. At the end of October, the Consumers' Foundation (消費者文教基金會) questioned the oversight of the pricing mechanism, noting the price hikes despite the oversupply.