The Mumbai Milk Producers Association (MMPA) has announced a 2 percent spike in the wholesale price of buffalo milk in Mumbai. This change will come into effect on September 1, just before the start of the festival season.
The previous price was INR 87 per liter. With the new increase, the price will rise to INR 89 per liter.
This decision by MMPA was made unanimously and will impact over 3,000 retailers in the city. As a result, retail prices could see a significant hike. Depending on the area and local demand, consumers might pay between INR 93 and INR 98 per liter.
Retail prices usually see an increase of INR 4-10 above the wholesale rate. This is the second price increase within a year when the price of buffalo milk rose from INR 85 to INR 87 per liter.
This price hike comes just ahead of festivities such as Ganeshotsav, Navaratri, and Diwali.
Reportedly, the cost of other kinds of milk and milk-based products is also expected to rise. This will likely increase the financial burden on families during the festive period.
In January 2024, the Maharashtra cabinet had announced a subsidy of INR 5 per liter for farmers who supply milk to private projects and cooperative societies. This decision was made to support the dairy farmers.