Iraqi economist says price controls failing to bring down egg prices in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Iraq — An Iraqi economist said egg prices in Baghdad continue to rise despite government inspection measures, with production costs and a long chain of middlemen keeping retail costs elevated. Reşid es-Said said feed, energy, transport and veterinary drug costs have climbed in recent months, pushing many producers to scale back or temporarily halt output. The drop in supply, combined with steady demand, has kept prices in retail markets under upward pressure, he said. Es-Said added that the issue extends beyond production, noting that multiple intermediaries between farmers and consumers have widened profit margins and pushed prices above the level justified by production costs. He said inspection campaigns can only be effective if backed by a reliable database tracking production volumes, quantities released to market and demand levels. Es-Said recommended supporting the poultry sector, securing production inputs at stable prices, establishing organized marketing centers and strengthening oversight at wholesale and retail points. Es-Said said price stability depends not only on inspections but on addressing structural problems in production and marketing, which he said would in turn support supply and food security. No further details were immediately available on government plans to respond to the concerns he raised.