The Blubber

After months of soaring egg prices nationwide, there may finally be some relief in sight.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported Friday that the national average wholesale price of eggs has been steadily falling since late February. In simpler terms, the cost distributors charge retailers for eggs has been decreasing.

According to the latest USDA report, the average wholesale price for a dozen large white eggs is now $4.15 — roughly half of what it was just a few weeks ago.

The recent decline in wholesale prices is largely due to the absence of major bird flu outbreaks in March, allowing the nation's egg supply to recover. While this is a promising sign, economists told NPR that the timeline for lower prices at grocery stores depends on several factors.

Why aren't lower prices at the store yet?

While wholesale prices have dropped for three consecutive weeks, this decrease might not be immediately visible on grocery store shelves. Joseph Balagtas, an agricultural economics professor at Purdue University, explained that the eggs currently in stores were likely purchased by retailers weeks ago at higher prices.

"Retailers buy eggs at wholesale prices that reflect market conditions from a few weeks back," Balagtas said via email. Inventory issues might also contribute to the delay, but he expects store prices to start easing within days.

Jadrian Wooten, an economics professor at Virginia Tech, added that grocery stores tend to be cautious about reducing prices too quickly. Concerns about future bird flu outbreaks still loom, and a sudden spike could disrupt supply once again.

"Stores typically lower prices more slowly than wholesale rates," Wooten noted. "The main factor will be whether the virus stays contained."

What could change the outlook?

Wooten believes that if the bird flu remains under control, prices should continue to fall over the next few weeks. However, he warned that a resurgence of the virus or a major outbreak at a large farm could reverse the trend rapidly.

"As long as things stay stable, we should see prices drop soon," Wooten said. "But if another significant outbreak occurs, it could send prices soaring again."