Government-regulated egg prices across Israel rose by 2.1 percent, adding further pressure to households already navigating a high cost of living, timesofisrael.com reported. Under the adjustment announced by the Agriculture Ministry, a carton of 12 eggs increased by between 27 agorot and 33 agorot depending on the size.
New Retail Prices at Checkout
A dozen medium eggs climbed to NIS 13.40, equivalent to $4.31, up from NIS 13.13. Large eggs now sell for NIS 14.54, or $4.68, compared to the previous price of NIS 14.24. Extra-large eggs rose from NIS 15.48 to NIS 15.81, reaching $5.09.
The Agriculture Ministry attributed the upward revision to mounting expenses across the entire supply chain, affecting breeders, producers, distributors, and retailers alike. Officials specifically pointed to higher feed costs for laying hens, rising wages, increased energy expenses, and more expensive packaging.
This adjustment follows a 1% price increase in November 2025 and a 16% hike in 2023.
Diverging From Global Trends
While the latest domestic adjustment appears modest, it runs counter to global trends. In the United States, the average cost of a dozen eggs has declined over the past year to approximately $2.27.
Israeli breeders produce roughly 2.2 billion eggs annually, primarily concentrated in the Galilee and Golan Heights. According to ministry data, Israelis consume an average of 240 eggs per year, translating to about 20 eggs a month.
The domestic market operates under a government quota system that limits production, alongside import restrictions that constrain foreign supply. A 2022 State Comptroller report found that egg prices in Israel were historically 41% above the OECD average and 72% higher than in the United States.
Flour Prices and Downstream Pressures
The rising cost of eggs coincides with an impending steeper rise in the price of flour. Financial news outlet Calcalist reported that flour is set to climb 11% to 14% in early November after suppliers informed customers of the planned adjustments.
Suppliers blamed the jump on a sharp rise in global wheat prices driven by the closure of Black Sea ports during the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine war, alongside higher transportation expenses. Because eggs and flour serve as essential ingredients in numerous food products, restaurants, bakeries, and manufacturers are expected to pass these expenses down through higher prices for bread, baked goods, pasta, Israeli couscous, and crackers.
Retail Margins and Public Discontent
The price hikes arrive as Israeli consumers contend with steep food prices that have surpassed those in some of the wealthiest countries in Europe. A study published by Tel Aviv University showed that grocery store chains accelerated their price hikes by a factor of nearly five during the last four years compared to the prior four-year timeframe.
While higher VAT, other taxes, and government-controlled prices fueled the wave of increases following 2023, researchers noted that retail chains appeared to exploit the government’s and public’s attention being diverted elsewhere. In the closing weeks of that year, the nation entered a period of conflict in the wake of the October 7, 2023, assault led by Hamas.
Lawmakers have faced continuous calls from State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman to implement more robust measures, alongside his reprimand of the departing administration for ignoring the matter amidst the conflict.
