Bengaluru: Nandini milk is set to become costlier by up to Rs 8 a litre, with the Karnataka cabinet Tuesday approving the proposal. However, a formal announcement to this effect has been held back owing to the Model Code of Conduct that is currently in force in the state for legislative council elections.The govt will seek Election Commission’s (EC) nod before implementing the decision. Ministers, who attended the cabinet meeting said the revised price is likely to take effect from Nov 1.This will be the fifth revision in Nandini milk prices since Nov 2022. Prices were raised by Rs 3 in Nov 2022 and July 2023, Rs 2 in June 2024, and Rs 4 in March 2025.Under the proposal, Rs 6 out of the Rs 8 hike will go to milk producers and the remaining 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.The cabinet has authorised chief minister DK Shivakumar to take a final call on the quantum of hike and its implementation.In June 2024, consumers were given an additional 50 ml for free for every litre, though KMF later withdrew the sop.“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 govt,” a minister said.In a recent meeting with the CM, milk unions sought a hike of Rs 8 to Rs 10 per litre, citing higher costs of fodder, medicines, transport and plastic packaging. They had also pointed to Karnataka’s lower procurement price compared with neighbouring states.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 and Mother Dairy had raised milk prices by Rs 2 per litre from May 14, citing higher operational costs and inflation.For info gfx:Proposed hike: Rs 8/lRs 6 → to milk producersRs 2 → to milk unionsCurrent price: Rs 46/l (toned milk in blue packet)Proposed price: Rs 54/lFifth price revision since Nov 2022:Nov 2022: Rs 3/litreJuly 2023: Rs 3/litreJune 2024: Rs 2/litreMarch 2025: Rs 4/litreOct 2026: Rs 8/l proposedProcurement price of toned milk:Karnataka: Rs 35/lMaharashtra: Rs 41Andhra: Rs 41.5Kerala: Rs 41.8Tamil Nadu: Rs 42.2
