Egg-streme Price Hikes: A Workplace Conversation
Characters:
Mia: Did you guys see the news? Egg prices are up 53% from last year. And just last month, they jumped 15%!
Jordan: Yeah, I saw that. Looks like I’m switching to imaginary omelets for breakfast.
Raj: It’s crazy. A decade ago, the same thing happened—avian flu wiped out millions of birds, and here we are again.
Mia: That’s what’s causing it this time too. Avian flu is just wiping out flocks left and right. Supply goes down, prices go up. Simple economics, but it hurts.
Jordan: I guess this explains why my grocery bill suddenly looks like a luxury shopping spree. “Would you like a dozen eggs?” “Sure, do I need to take out a loan?”
Raj: Honestly, it’s not just about breakfast. Think about bakeries, restaurants, food manufacturers… they all depend on eggs. This impacts way more than just our scrambled eggs at home.
Mia: Exactly! I was at the store yesterday, and there were limits on how many cartons you could buy. It’s like the great toilet paper shortage of 2020 all over again.
Jordan: Can’t wait for the underground egg market to start up. “Psst, you need some Grade A large? I got the good stuff—free-range, organic.”
Raj: It’s not far-fetched. When food prices spike, people start hoarding, black markets pop up, and even theft increases. Grocery stores are already locking up basic items like baby formula—what if eggs are next?
Mia: So what’s the solution? Just wait it out?
Raj: More or less. It takes time for egg producers to rebuild their flocks. And if the flu keeps spreading, it might take longer than expected.
Jordan: So in the meantime, we find alternatives? What’s next—black bean brownies and tofu omelets?
Mia: Or we just eat fewer eggs. At least until the prices stabilize.
Jordan: Fewer eggs? You’re asking a lot from me, Mia.
Raj: Look on the bright side, Jordan. Maybe this is the push you needed to finally try that vegan diet you keep talking about.
Jordan: Sigh… This is why I don't like hanging out with smart people. You make it impossible for me to complain without a solution.
Mia: You’re welcome. Now, who’s up for a nice, affordable bowl of oatmeal?
End Scene.