Private dairies hike milk, curd prices by Rs 2-10 per litre amid rising procurement costs

According to industry sources, private dairies are currently procuring milk from farmers at Rs 44 to Rs 46 a litre, as against Rs 34 a litre in January.

The revised prices will come into effect for Thirumala and Srinivasa milk from February 26, while the Jersey price hike came into effect on February 19.  (Photo | Express)

CHENNAI: Consumers will have to shell out more for milk, curd, and buttermilk in the coming days, as three private dairy companies selling milk under the brand names Srinivasa, Jersey, and Thirumala have increased milk prices by Rs 2 to Rs 10 a litre, depending on the variant, along with curd and buttermilk prices.

The revised prices will come into effect for Thirumala and Srinivasa milk from February 26, while the Jersey price hike came into effect on February 19. Notifications issued by the companies attributed the decision to higher milk procurement prices and escalating operational costs.

According to industry sources, private dairies are currently procuring milk from farmers at Rs 44 to Rs 46 a litre, as against Rs 34 a litre in January. Thus, the average procurement price is increased by Rs 10 to Rs 12 a litre. The companies decided to pay higher procurement rates in anticipation of a short supply of milk during the summer season and a surge in demand ahead of the general election in the state, sources added.

Thirumala Milk Products said the billing price of per litre of full cream milk has been increased from Rs 72 to Rs 76, standard milk from Rs 63 to Rs 68, and toned milk from Rs 52 to Rs 62. The price of a curd pouch (120 gram) has been raised from Rs 8.30 to Rs 10, buttermilk (180 ml) from Rs 6.25 to Rs 10, and lassi pouch (160 ml) from Rs 8 to Rs 10. The MRP will be higher by Rs 4 to Rs 6 per litre of milk depending on the variant of the milk.

Similarly, Creamline Dairy Products, which owns the Jersey brand, announced an increase in MRP for toned milk from Rs 57 to Rs 59 a litre, standard milk from Rs 65 to Rs 67 a litre, full cream milk from Rs 74 to Rs 76 a litre, and tea special milk from Rs 68 to Rs 70 a litre. The price of buttermilk (170 ml) has been increased from Rs 8 to Rs 10.

Srirangam Milk Products, which markets milk under Srinivasa brand, has increased the price of one litre full cream milk from Rs 76 to Rs 78 and standardised milk from Rs 66 to Rs 68. The price of 950 ml tea king pack has gone up from Rs 67 to Rs 69, while a curd pouch (120 gram) has been increased from Rs 8 to Rs 10.