New Milk Rates
Consumers are now facing increased prices for milk from major dairy players, with changes effective May 14th. Across different milk varieties, including
full cream, toned, cow's milk, buffalo's milk, and premium options, consumers will observe price hikes ranging from Rs 1 to Rs 5 per packet. For instance, a 500 ml packet of Taaza milk has seen an increase of Rs 1, now priced at Rs 29, while a 1-litre packet is Rs 57, up by Rs 2. Cow's milk now costs Rs 30 for a 500 ml pack, a Rs 1 increment. Similarly, Shakti milk's 500 ml variant is Rs 32, and the 1-litre Tea Special is now Rs 66, a Rs 3 jump. Gold milk's 500 ml pack is Rs 35, and its 1-litre counterpart is Rs 70, both showing a Rs 1 and Rs 2 increase respectively. Buffalo's milk has experienced a Rs 2 hike, with a 500 ml packet now costing Rs 39. In the Delhi-NCR region, Mother Dairy has also implemented new prices. Bulk vended milk (token milk) is now Rs 58, an increase of Rs 2. Full cream milk is priced at Rs 72, also a Rs 2 rise. Toned milk is available for Rs 60, double toned milk (Live Lite) for Rs 54, cow milk for Rs 62, and Pro Milk for Rs 72, all reflecting a Rs 2 increment on their previous prices.
Reasons Behind Hikes
Dairy companies have pointed to escalating operational expenses as the primary driver behind these price adjustments. A significant factor is the continuous rise in farmer procurement prices over the past year, which directly elevates input costs and consequently narrows profit margins. Furthermore, global geopolitical events are contributing to the pressure. The recent tensions in West Asia, notably involving Iran and the US, have led to increased global crude oil prices. As India is heavily reliant on importing crude oil, these higher prices are straining the national economy and depleting foreign exchange reserves at an accelerated rate. Crude oil's critical role as the source for essential fuels like petrol and diesel means its price surge has a direct impact on overall inflation, making all related input costs higher for businesses. Despite this, prices for petrol and diesel in India have remained unchanged since 2022.
