Consumers across India are facing higher dairy costs as major producers Nandini and Amul implement significant price hikes on essential products. Karnataka-based Nandini raised prices for ghee, butter, and paneer, effective November 4, closely following its earlier increase on milk and curd.
Dairy cooperative Amul has also announced increases for specific ghee and butter products, adding to the financial burden on households.
Nandini's Price Revisions in Karnataka
The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), which operates the Nandini brand, rolled out the latest price adjustments on November 4. A one-litre sachet of Nandini ghee now costs ₹850, up from ₹715. Paneer prices have also seen a notable jump, with a one-kg pack now retailing for ₹485, an increase from ₹408. Unsalted butter (500 grams) is priced at ₹390, up from ₹285.
Specific Nandini Product Price Changes:
- Ghee (sachet): 200 ml at ₹95, 500 ml at ₹425, 1 litre at ₹850 (from ₹715)
- Ghee (PET jars): 50 ml at ₹65, 100 ml at ₹100, 200 ml at ₹180, 500 ml at ₹435, 1 litre at ₹870, 5 litre at ₹4,250
- Paneer: 200 grams at ₹115, 500 grams at ₹260, 1 kg at ₹485 (from ₹408)
- Unsalted Butter: 200 grams at ₹160, 500 grams at ₹390 (from ₹285)
- Salted Butter: 100 grams at ₹90, 500 grams at ₹380
These increases follow KMF's decision to raise milk prices by ₹8 per litre and curd prices by ₹14 per litre from November 1. Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, Shivakumar, defended the milk price hike, stating it would benefit approximately 11 lakh farmer families. He also announced a ₹2 per litre reduction in curd prices following discussions with KMF.
Amul Also Increases Select Dairy Product Prices
Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), under its Amul brand, has also raised prices for certain ghee and butter products. A 1-kg carton of Amul ghee now costs ₹680, up from ₹640. The 500-gram pure ghee pouch is priced at ₹345, an increase from ₹325.
Specific Amul Product Price Changes:
- Amul Ghee (carton): 1 kg at ₹680 (from ₹640)
- Amul Pure Ghee (pouch): 500 grams at ₹345 (from ₹325)
- Amul Cow Ghee (pouch): 500 ml at ₹370 (from ₹350), 1 litre at ₹735 (from ₹695)
- Amul Butter: 100 grams at ₹66 (from ₹63), 500 grams at ₹325 (from ₹310)
These latest price adjustments from two of India's largest dairy producers reflect ongoing inflationary pressures and rising input costs within the dairy sector, directly impacting household budgets nationwide.