Business Desk
3 June
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
In a significant blow to household budgets, the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) has announced a hike in Amul milk prices by Rs 2 per litre. Effective from Monday, June 3, this increase affects several popular milk variants, including Amul Gold, Amul Taza, and Amul Shakti. However, Amul Taj Pouch remains unaffected by this price hike.
With the new pricing structure in place, consumers will now pay Rs 66 per litre for Amul milk, up from the previous Rs 64 per litre. This development comes at a sensitive time, as the Lok Sabha Elections-2024 results are yet to be announced, adding another layer of financial strain on the populace.
Milk, being a staple in Indian households, plays a crucial role in daily nutrition and food preparation. The price hike has consequently sparked concerns among consumers, particularly those from lower-income groups. Rising milk prices not only impact direct consumption but also affect the costs of a wide range of dairy products, thereby stretching household budgets further.
“The common man’s budget is always disturbed by the rising prices of milk. Another leg of inflation is now weighing down on the belly of the poor,” said a local consumer. This sentiment is widely shared among many who are grappling with the rising cost of living.
GCMMF has justified the price hike, citing increased production costs and higher procurement prices as the primary reasons. They emphasize the need to support dairy farmers who are facing elevated costs for cattle feed and maintenance.
While the federation aims to balance farmer welfare and consumer affordability, the immediate effect on consumers is a palpable strain on their finances. This price increase is a reminder of the broader economic challenges faced by the country, underscoring the need for measures to mitigate inflation and support the most vulnerable sections of society.
As the new prices come into effect, consumers are urged to adjust their budgets and explore alternative options to manage their expenses. The ripple effect of this price hike on other dairy products remains to be seen, but it is clear that the impact on the common man is immediate and significant.