Nandini Milk Price Hike could make milk costlier for consumers in Karnataka from November 1, with the state Cabinet approving a proposal to increase prices by up to Rs 8 per litre.
The revised rates will require Election Commission clearance before implementation.
The proposal was cleared on October 6, but a formal announcement has been held back because the Model Code of Conduct is in force for the Legislative Council elections.
The Cabinet has authorised Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to take the final decision on the quantum and implementation.
Nandini Milk Price Hike Could Raise Blue Packet Price
If the full Rs 8 increase is passed on to consumers, Nandini toned milk sold in the blue packet could become Rs 54 per litre, compared with its current price of Rs 46.
This would mean an additional Rs 8 for every litre purchased.
For a household buying two litres of milk every day, the full increase would translate into an additional expense of around Rs 480 a month.
However, the final consumer price will depend on the amount ultimately approved and implemented.
Where Will the Rs 8 Increase Go?
Under the proposal, Rs 6 from the increase would go towards milk producers, while the remaining Rs 2 would go to milk unions.
The move follows demands from milk unions for higher returns amid increasing dairy production costs.
Milk unions have cited higher expenses for cattle feed, fodder, medicines, transportation and plastic packaging.
Drought conditions have also contributed to fodder shortages and increased the cost of maintaining cattle.
Why Nandini Milk Prices Are Being Revised
Milk unions had sought an increase of Rs 8 to Rs 10 per litre, arguing that procurement prices received by Karnataka’s milk producers are lower than those in several neighbouring states.
The proposal follows the last Nandini price revision in March 2025.
If implemented, the proposed increase would be the fifth revision in Nandini milk prices since November 2022.
Previous increases were made in November 2022, July 2023, June 2024 and March 2025.
Final Decision Still Pending
The proposed November 1 implementation is not yet final because the government must obtain Election Commission clearance under the ongoing Model Code of Conduct.
The Chief Minister has been authorised to decide the final quantum and implementation of the increase.
For consumers, the key point is that the Rs 8 increase has been approved as a proposal, but the final price and implementation will depend on the remaining approval process.
If the full hike is passed on, blue-packet toned milk could cost Rs 54 per litre from November 1.
