In preparation for Holy Week, Norwegians are facing a shortage of eggs in local shops, prompting them to venture across the border to Sweden in search of the traditional Easter food. The Nordby shopping center in Sweden, situated just 100 kilometers south of Oslo, has become a popular destination for Norwegian shoppers looking to stock up on eggs.
Reports indicate that the Maxi-Mat food store at the center ran out of eggs earlier this week, leading to restrictions at the adjacent Nordby Supermarket where customers are limited to purchasing three 20-packs per household. Not only are Swedish stores better equipped with eggs, a crucial ingredient for many Easter dishes, but the prices are also more affordable compared to Norway.
According to sources, a pack of 20 eggs in Sweden is priced at 39.90 Norwegian kroner ($3.70), representing a 30% cost savings compared to Norway. The scarcity of eggs in Norwegian stores has been attributed to concerns about overproduction, which prompted farmers to reduce egg output and the impact of bird flu on supplies.
Global egg prices are soaring as Easter approaches, reflecting challenges in the market such as disease outbreaks, heightened demand, and increased production costs for farmers. Norway, known for its high cost of living, particularly in food and alcohol due to heavy taxation, is consistently ranked among the most expensive countries worldwide.
Residents in southern Norway frequently cross the border to Sweden for shopping trips, where lower value-added tax rates make products and services more affordable. This practice has evolved into a profitable venture for Swedish retailers, attracting Norwegian customers seeking better prices and availability of essential goods like eggs.
