Maharashtra Dairies Raise Cow and Buffalo Milk Prices by Rs 2 Per Litre

Milk consumers across Maharashtra will have to pay Rs 2 more per litre for cow and buffalo milk starting Tuesday, August 11. The price hike was announced following a meeting in Mumbai where major cooperative and private dairies reviewed rising operational and procurement expenses faced by dairy operators state-wide.

The decision was finalized at a meeting of the Milk Producers and Processors Welfare Association, which was chaired by its president, Gopalrao Mhaske. Representatives from major cooperative and private dairies across Maharashtra attended the session and approved the Rs 2-per-litre increase in selling prices after reviewing the financial pressures on milk producers and processors.

According to the Milk Producers and Processors Welfare Association, steep increases in operating expenses made the retail price adjustment necessary. The association stated that diesel prices have increased by ₹10 per litre, which has added significantly to transportation and distribution costs for dairy operations. In addition to fuel expenses, packaging costs for dairy products have risen by approximately 30 per cent.

Escalating procurement expenses have also put pressure on dairy businesses. Dairies are currently paying higher rates to procure raw milk from primary producers. The association noted that milk procurement prices have already increased and are expected to rise further in the near future. Since procurement costs constitute a major portion of the final retail price, the sustained increase forced dairy companies to revise prices for end consumers to help absorb supply-chain expenses.

Alongside liquid cow and buffalo milk, consumers will also face higher costs for various value-added dairy products. The association decided to increase the prices of dairy products by up to 10 per cent, with the exact price adjustment varying depending on the specific product and individual dairy company.

The statewide price revision is scheduled to take effect from August 11 and is expected to increase household spending across Maharashtra, particularly for families that buy milk on a daily basis. The higher prices for dairy products will also impact consumer spending on common milk-based items.