To prevent a possible shortage of eggs for local consumption, Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce has imposed a 7-day export ban, effective today (Thursday) following a rush by consumers to stock up, in the aftermath of the declaration of a nationwide state of emergency.

Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanavisit said today that the temporary export ban might be extended if the egg situation, characterized by price increases and shortage in some places, does not improve by then.

He pointed out that the country’s daily egg production is 40 million, which is sufficient to meet domestic demand, adding, however, that sometimes there is a surplus of eggs, to the point where the Government has to shore up the prices to help egg producers.

He said that the shortage of eggs in some areas is being caused by a rush to stock up over the past few days, increasing demand by 2-3 fold.

He warned against the overpricing of eggs, saying that violators could face a seven-year jail term and/or a fine of 140,000 baht.

Mr. Jurin said that commerce officials have also imposed strict measures to combat overcharging for pharmaceutical products, including face masks, sanitizer gel and ethyl alcohol.