Cow and buffalo milk to cost Rs 4 more a litre across Maharashtra from November 16

Household budgets in Maharashtra will again be hit by higher milk prices. From Monday, November 16, both cow milk and buffalo milk will cost Rs 4 more a litre. Prices of other milk products will also be revised, with an increase of up to 10 per cent planned.

The decision was taken on Friday, November 13, at a meeting of the milk producers and processors welfare association at Katraj Dairy in Pune.

The association said the cost of several inputs, including diesel, transport, sugar, packaging material and labour, has gone up. More money now has to be paid to buy milk from farmers, which has added to the financial burden on the dairy business.

Members who attended the meeting said rising costs across the supply chain had put pressure on existing prices. The possibility that procurement rates may rise further in the coming months was also taken into account while fixing the prices.

Under the new rates, cow milk and buffalo milk will both sell at Rs 4 a litre more from November 16. Prices of milk products will rise by up to 10 per cent, though the increase may differ from product to product.

The change will apply to consumers across Maharashtra from the beginning of next week. It will raise household spending on milk and other everyday dairy items.