Amul to up milk prices

AHMEDABAD: Milk is all set to become expensive again. The cooperative dairy giant Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), that sells Amul brand of dairy products, is considering hiking milk prices.

Milk price hike might shock consumers in major markets like Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. In Gujarat, it will be the sixth milk price hike by a Re a litre in just about two years. GCMMF hiked milk prices twice in each of 2006 and 2007.

It will be second milk price hike in 2008 in the state. It may be mentioned here that Delhi market witnessed milk price hike in early June this year, which was the sixth since the start of 2006. Sources stated that both GCMMF and National Dairy Development Board���s Mother Dairy are intending to delay milk price hike to avoid consumer discontentment in major markets, but is inevitable considering the market situation.

Amul range of liquid milk is likely to become more expensive by a rupee per litre. GCMMF is also expected to hike prices of milk products like butter, ghee and curd, among others, subsequently. Small and unorganised dairy players are expected to follow the market leader Amul.