Milk Prices Hikes: In a move that has further strained household budgets, Mother Dairy has announced a significant price hike for milk across Delhi-NCR and other markets. The increase, effective from 30th April 2025, coincides with Akshaya Tritiya, a day considered auspicious for new beginnings. However, for the common man, this hike adds to the growing burden of inflation, making daily essentials even more expensive.
This article delves into the revised milk prices, the reasons behind the hike, and its impact on household budgets.
Revised Milk Prices: What’s New?
Mother Dairy has increased prices across all milk variants, including full cream, toned, and cow milk. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the new rates:
1. Toned Milk (Balf Vendored Milk)
- Old Price: ₹54 per litre
- New Price: ₹56 per litre
2. Premium Full Cream Milk (Ultra – 500ml pack)
- Old Price: ₹38
- New Price: ₹39
3. Full Cream Milk
- 1-litre pack: ₹68 → ₹69
- 500ml pack: ₹34 → ₹35
4. Toned Milk
- 1-litre pack: ₹56 → ₹57
- 500ml pack: ₹28 → ₹29
5. Double Toned Milk (Live Lite)
- 1-litre pack: ₹49 → ₹51
- 500ml pack: ₹25 → ₹26
6. Cow Milk
- 1-litre pack: ₹57 → ₹59
- 500ml pack: ₹29 → ₹30
This means your daily cup of tea or a glass of milk for the kids just got more expensive.
Why Did Mother Dairy Increase Milk Prices?
Mother Dairy cited rising procurement costs as the primary reason behind the hike. Over the past few months, the cost of milk procurement has surged by ₹4-₹5 per litre. The company attributed this to:
1. Early Onset of Heatwave & Summer Impact
- Reduced milk production due to extreme heat.
- Shortage of fodder, forcing farmers to spend more on cattle feed.
2. Increased Operational Costs
- Higher transportation and storage expenses.
- Rising input costs for dairy farmers.
Mother Dairy emphasized that the price revision was necessary to support farmers while maintaining quality standards.
How Will This Affect Household Budgets?
Milk is a daily essential, and even a small Milk prices hike can strain monthly expenses. Here’s how this increase impacts consumers:
1. Monthly Expenditure Rise
- Families consuming 2 litres of full cream milk daily will now spend ₹60-₹90 extra per month.
- For toned milk users, the additional cost will be around ₹40-₹60 per month.
2. Wider Economic Impact
- Increased milk prices may lead to higher costs for dairy products like curd, paneer, and ghee.
- Low-income households will feel the pinch the most.
Mother Dairy sells nearly 35 lakh litres of milk daily in Delhi-NCR, making this hike a significant concern for millions.
Consumer Reactions & Market Response
Consumers have expressed frustration over the Milk prices hike, especially amid already high inflation. Many are now considering:
- Switching to local dairy brands (though quality may vary).
- Reducing milk consumption to manage expenses.
Mother Dairy has assured that the hike is necessary to maintain quality and support dairy farmers, but public sentiment remains divided.
Conclusion: What’s Next?
With inflation showing no signs of cooling down, essential commodities like milk becoming costlier is a worrying trend. Consumers must adjust budgets or explore alternatives, while policymakers need to address supply chain challenges to stabilize prices.