Financial Tribune- The import of eggs should continue for six months to create market balance and prevent a further rise in prices, the chairman of Agriculture Commission of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture said, as an outbreak of avian flu has swept across Iran.

Gholamali Foroughi added that after six months of breeding, chickens become ready to lay eggs, ILNA reported. “Until they are ready, imports should go on to create balance,” he said. Over 15 million chickens have been culled since the outbreak began last month. Egg prices soared as a result, prompting the government to deal with the shortage by supplying the market with imports.

According to the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration, 116 tons of eggs worth $169,000 were imported last week.