Eggs surge in price; shortages before Easter

28 February 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

A severe avian influenza outbreak has led to mass culling of laying hens in Poland, driving egg prices sharply higher and risking shortages ahead of Easter on April 5.

Eggs are suddenly much more expensive and could be scarce on supermarket shelves ahead of Easter on April 5, after a severe outbreak of avian influenza on Polish poultry farms that has led to mass culling of laying hens. The sharp price rise — with reports of individual eggs reaching about 1.40 zł each — matters not only for holiday cooking but also for household budgets across Poland.

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What is happening on poultry farms

Since the start of the year, widespread cases of avian influenza (commonly called bird flu) have forced farmers to cull millions of hens to prevent further spread. Veterinary authorities apply strict biosecurity measures: infected flocks are destroyed, movement around affected farms is restricted, and surveillance zones are created. These steps are aimed at stopping the disease but also remove a large portion of the domestic egg supply from the market almost overnight.

Impact on prices and shoppers

The immediate economic effect is visible at the checkout. With fewer eggs available and demand rising ahead of Easter — traditionally a peak period for egg consumption in Poland — prices have surged. Reports of single eggs selling for around 1.40 zł translate roughly to about €0.30–€0.35 or $0.32–$0.38 depending on exchange rates. Panic buying and bulk purchases by consumers, described in local media, can make temporary shortages worse as stores deplete stocks faster than they can replenish them.

What authorities and retailers are doing

The response involves both regulators and retailers. The Chief Veterinary Inspectorate leads detection, culling and movement controls, while the Ministry of Agriculture monitors the broader agricultural impact and may consider support measures for affected farmers. At the retail level, some Polish supermarkets and chains may impose purchase limits or change ordering patterns to smooth supply. There can also be implications for trade: outbreaks may trigger restrictions on moving poultry products from affected areas within the EU, temporarily narrowing import options.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: In Poland you will see eggs labelled with a number (0, 1, 2 or 3) printed on the shell — 0 = organic, 1 = free-range, 2 = barn, 3 = cage. “Best before” dates matter for freshness; eggs properly refrigerated can last beyond the date for cooking. Expect supermarkets such as Biedronka, Lidl or Carrefour to manage stock with temporary limits; if you rely on eggs for traditional Easter cooking, consider buying in advance, checking local farmers’ markets, or planning substitutes (dairy- or plant-based alternatives). Also note that authorities cull only on veterinary advice and the risk to human health from properly cooked poultry products remains very low.

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