India's two biggest dairy brands, Amul and Mother Dairy, on Wednesday announced a hike of Rs 2-4 per litre in milk prices, effective Thursday, November 12, citing a sharp rise in input and operational costs, including fodder, cattle feed, packaging and transportation.

Source: PTI via BizzBuzz

The Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which markets dairy products under the Amul brand, said in a statement that prices of fresh pouch milk have been increased by 4-5 per cent across major variants and packs nationwide.

Rs 2-4Hike per litre
Nov 12New rates take effect
4-5%Amul pouch milk increase

GCMMF said the price of its largest-selling Amul Taaza toned milk, with 3 per cent milk fat, has been raised by Rs 2 per litre — a 3.3 per cent increase — while Amul Gold milk, with 6 per cent milk fat, will cost Rs 4 per litre more, a rise of 5.5 per cent. Industry reports carried by The Hindu BusinessLine said full-cream buffalo milk could rise by Rs 6 per litre, from Rs 80 to Rs 86.

Source: The Hindu BusinessLine

Separately, Mother Dairy announced a similar increase of Rs 2-4 per litre across its liquid milk variants from November 12. Reports said its toned milk sold through bulk vending machines in Delhi-NCR will cost Rs 60 per litre, up from Rs 58, double-toned milk will rise from Rs 54 to Rs 56, and cow milk from Rs 62 to Rs 65.

Mother Dairy said uneven monsoon conditions in many regions have pushed green and dry fodder prices up by as much as 20 per cent, while cattle feed costs have risen around 10 per cent over the last year, increasing production costs for dairy farmers. This is Amul's second milk price revision this year, following an increase in May.

The revised rates will apply to consumers buying pouch milk from Thursday. Neither cooperative announced a common pricing structure, and exact retail prices for individual packs can vary by variant and market.