Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Household budgets in Punjab are likely to feel the impact of another milk price increase, with Verka rolling out revised rates for its full-cream, standard and double-toned milk products from today. Depending on the product, buyers will now have to pay between ₹1 and ₹8 more.
The new prices have been notified through an order issued by the Ludhiana District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Limited. The revision follows recent increases announced by Amul and Mother Dairy, which raised milk prices by ₹2 to ₹4 per litre from November 12.
Verka has also addressed the possibility of confusion at retail counters. The company has said that a quantity of old packaging film is still available, meaning some packets may continue to carry the previous printed rates even after the revised prices have come into force.
Consumers should therefore check the updated price displayed by the retailer rather than rely solely on the amount printed on older packaging. Verka has instructed its dealers and distributors to display the latest rate chart prominently at their outlets.
Why dairy companies are increasing prices
The price adjustments by Amul and Mother Dairy have been attributed to rising expenses involved in milk production and distribution. Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), the organisation behind Amul, has pointed to higher prices of green fodder, dry fodder, maize and cattle feed over the past year.
The cost of packaging and fuel has also increased, adding to transportation and supply-chain expenses. These factors have put pressure on the cost of procuring and delivering milk.
GCMMF has said that approximately 80 per cent of the money paid by consumers goes directly to dairy farmers. It maintains that revising retail prices helps ensure farmers receive fair compensation as procurement costs rise. Mother Dairy has cited similar reasons for its decision.
The latest move by Verka means consumers in Punjab are now facing higher prices across multiple popular dairy brands. For families that purchase milk regularly, the increase is likely to add to routine monthly household expenses.
