It follows a busy Easter period, distributors say, with demand for eggs skyrocketing as the Winter months draw closer. 

Pure Foods Eggs managing director Danny Jones said multiple factors increased demand for eggs, including higher meat prices and a change of seasons. 

“It's affected demand, people are ringing us ordering more, wanting more, because eggs aren't available from other sources,” Mr Jones said.

"We saw an increase in demand after Easter, that's where it sort of started. We took a lot of eggs out of the cool rooms and we really haven't had a chance to recover.” 

A spokesperson for Coles said prices would not be affected by the shortage.

“We apologise for the shortage in the supply of eggs and are working with our suppliers to resolve the situation as soon as possible. We plan to continue offering eggs for the same great prices,” they said.

A spokesperson for Woolworths did not comment on prices, but said the issue would be resolved soon. 

“Due to the unusually long public holiday period last month we have been experiencing pressure on our free range egg supply. 

“We have been working closely with our local suppliers throughout this time and expect to return to normal activity shortly,” they said. 

Mr Jones said that meat prices have risen nationally, causing a further increase in demand.

He said eggs are supplied nationally, and it is for this reason there are less coming in from interstate. 

“When you’re furthest away from the major egg producer areas, you’re [Tasmania] usually the first to miss out,” he said.

“Why eggs are tight nationally I don't know, I suspect it’s a cyclical thing.” 

He noted that egg consumption per capita is increasing.

IGA Norwood store owner Mark Colson said the store remains largely unaffected by the shortage. 

"From our perspective yes free range eggs are tight from larger producers.

“But fortunately for us we do have a local supplier for Tasmanian eggs and although it's tight we are still able to meet demands from our customers,” Mr Colson said. 

Mr Jones said he was finding it difficult to fulfill the demand of his customers, which include restaurants and small retailers. 

“Unfortunately we can’t respond quickly because the point of lay is about 18 weeks.

“Things happen slowly in this industry, you can’t bring on production quickly it requires a fair bit of time and sometimes investment to bring birds to lay,” he said.