Nandini milk price hike: Karnataka clears Rs 8 per litre hike, blue-packet toned milk may cost Rs 54; EC nod awaited

Nandini milk is set to become costlier by up to Rs 8 a litre, with the state Cabinet approving the hike on Tuesday. However, the announcement has been held back due to the Model Code of Conduct for Legislative Council elections.

Fifth price revision since November 2022

The proposed increase would be the fifth revision in Nandini milk prices since November 2022. Prices were raised by Rs 3 in November 2022, Rs 3 in July 2023, Rs 2 in June 2024 and Rs 4 in March 2025.

In June 2024, consumers were given an additional 50 ml for every litre, but KMF later withdrew the additional quantity.

EC clearance needed before implementation

The government will seek Election Commission clearance before implementing the decision. The Cabinet has authorised Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to take the final call on the extent of the hike and its implementation.

Ministers who attended the meeting said the revised prices are likely to take effect from November 1, subject to EC clearance.

Rs 6 to go to milk producers

Under the proposal, Rs 6 of the Rs 8 increase will go to milk producers, while Rs 2 will go to milk unions. If the entire hike is passed on to consumers, toned milk in the blue packet will cost Rs 54 a litre, up from Rs 46.

“Due to the drought situation, farmers are facing crop losses and a shortage of fodder, among other problems. Protecting their interests is important for the government and hence the Cabinet approved the proposal to hike milk prices,” a minister said.

Milk unions cite rising costs

The unions, which met Shivakumar, had recently sought a hike of Rs 8 to Rs 10 per litre, citing higher costs of cattle feed, fodder, medicines, transport and plastic packaging.

They had also pointed to Karnataka’s lower procurement price compared with neighbouring states.

Karnataka procurement price lower than neighbours

According to the unions, toned milk is procured at Rs 35 a litre in Karnataka, against Rs 41.5 in Andhra Pradesh, Rs 41.8 in Kerala, Rs 41 in Maharashtra and Rs 42.2 in Tamil Nadu.

Amul, Mother Dairy also raised prices

Amul and Mother Dairy had in May raised milk prices by Rs 2 per litre from May 14, citing rising operational costs and inflation.