The wholesale price of locally-produced eggs in Taiwan is set to increase by NT$3 to a high of N$55 (US$1.80) per catty (600 grams), due to an egg supply shortage caused by factors such as molting hens, avian flu epidemics, and higher feed costs. The farm gate price will also rise by NT$3 to NT$45.5 per catty. This is the second price increase this month. In an effort to alleviate the shortage, the Council of Agriculture is importing 5 million eggs from Australia by the end of March.