New Delhi, 13 November (H.S.): Household budgets are set to come under further pressure as another major dairy brand has raised milk prices, following similar revisions by Amul and Mother Dairy. The Punjab State Cooperative Milk Producers' Federation Limited (Milkfed), which markets its products under the popular Verka brand, has increased the maximum retail prices (MRPs) of several packaged milk variants by Rs. 1 to Rs. 8.
The revised rates came into effect on Friday morning, affecting consumers across Punjab, Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali, Kalka, Ropar and adjoining areas, including Delhi-NCR.
According to the federation's official statement, the decision was taken following an important review meeting held on Thursday through video conferencing. The meeting assessed the prevailing prices charged by other major dairy companies in Punjab and neighbouring states. After reviewing production costs and prevailing market conditions, the federation approved the revision in milk prices.
As per Verka's revised price list, consumers will now have to pay between Rs. 2 and Rs. 4 more for several one-litre milk packs. The price of one litre of full-cream milk has been increased from Rs. 72 to Rs. 76, while standard milk will now cost Rs. 69 instead of Rs. 65. Similarly, the price of one litre of toned milk has risen from Rs. 59 to Rs. 61, while double-toned milk will cost Rs. 55, up from Rs. 53.
The 500-ml packs, which are particularly popular among smaller households, have also become more expensive. The price of half a litre of full-cream milk has increased from Rs. 36 to Rs. 38. The 500-ml standard milk pack will now cost Rs. 35, compared with Rs. 33 earlier, while cow milk has become costlier from Rs. 31 to Rs. 33.
Other 500-ml variants have also witnessed a Re. 1 increase. Toned milk will now be available for Rs. 31 instead of Rs. 30, while the price of double-toned milk has risen from Rs. 27 to Rs. 28. The half-litre pack of skimmed milk will now cost Rs. 25, against its earlier price of Rs. 24.
Consumers purchasing larger packs will face a steeper increase, with prices rising by Rs. 6 to Rs. 8. The 1.5-litre pack of full-cream milk will now cost Rs. 112, up from Rs. 106. Similarly, the price of 1.5 litres of standard milk has increased from Rs. 96 to Rs. 102, while the same quantity of cow milk will now be priced at Rs. 96, compared with Rs. 90 earlier.
The two-litre packs have registered an increase of Rs. 8 each. The price of two litres of full-cream milk has gone up from Rs. 142 to Rs. 150, while the two-litre standard milk pack will now cost Rs. 136, against the previous price of Rs. 128.
However, the federation has left the prices of a few smaller packs unchanged, offering some relief to consumers. There will be no revision in the prices of 180-ml double-toned milk and 350-ml toned milk. Prices of loose and bulk milk variants have also been kept unchanged, along with vendors' margins.
At the same time, the federation has decided to reduce the quantity in certain packs. Once the existing stock of packaging film is exhausted, the quantity of toned milk in the 350-ml pack will be reduced to 320 ml. Similarly, the 450-ml standard milk pack will contain 430 ml under the revised packaging arrangement.
Additional charges have also been prescribed for milk supplies to certain hilly and outlying routes. For routes covering Shimla, Solan, Baddi, Parwanoo and Nalagarh in Himachal Pradesh, an additional Rs. 2 per litre and Rs. 3 for a 1.5-litre pack will be charged. For supplies to Uttarakhand, Bilaspur, Nahan and Paonta Sahib, the additional charge will be Rs. 4 per litre and Rs. 5 for a 1.5-litre pack.
The latest revision by Verka comes a day after two of the country's leading dairy companies, Amul and Mother Dairy, announced increases in their milk prices. Their revised rates came into effect on November 12, with prices of various milk categories rising by Rs. 2 to Rs. 6 per litre. Following the revision, Amul's full-cream buffalo milk reached Rs. 86 per litre.
The price increases announced by Amul and Mother Dairy had also raised expectations of similar revisions by regional cooperative dairy federations. With all three major brands commanding a significant share of the markets in Delhi-NCR and northern India, the successive hikes within two days are likely to add considerably to monthly household expenses.
The increase in the price of an essential commodity such as milk, just ahead of the onset of winter, has added to concerns among households already grappling with rising living costs. The higher input cost of milk is also expected to put pressure on the prices of dairy products such as curd, paneer, ghee and sweets in the coming days. Hotels, restaurants and tea stalls are likely to face higher operating expenses as well, with the additional burden eventually being passed on to consumers.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
