The scorching temperatures in China have caused the price of eggs to jump locally as the heat causes hens to lay less than usual, local media reported.
Heat waves regularly affect China in the middle of summer, particularly in the arid west and south of the country.
According to scientists, however, they seem to be stronger in recent years due to global warming, which is already having an impact on the economy.
In the metropolis of Hefei (east), located 900km south of Beijing, farmers are seeing a drop in egg production due to the heat, according to local press.
To cool their hens, some producers have been forced to install air conditioners, reports the daily Jianghuai Morning News.
This drop in production has caused egg prices to jump by about 30% in Hefei, the regional capital of Anhui.
Similar increases were also seen in several provinces.
Prolonged temperature extremes hurt productivity for animal products, including eggs and milk, according to a study by the US Department of Agriculture.
The city of Hefei has already accumulated 14 days this year with temperatures above 38°C, a record.
Several metropolises in China have recorded temperature records in recent days and the authorities again issued red alerts for the heat wave on Monday.
Several provinces are also rationing electricity for professionals, at a time when the electricity network is strained by air conditioners and hydroelectric dams are struggling to meet demand due to weak rivers.