Starting March, essential dairy products like tea, coffee, and curd will see a price surge as the cost of milk is set to increase. Following the state budget on March 7, the price of Nandini milk will go up by ₹5 per litre. Additionally, the packet size will be reduced from 1,050 ml to a standard 1-litre pack. With this revision, a litre of Nandini toned milk will cost ₹47.

This marks the most significant price adjustment by the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) in three years. Previously, in 2022, the cost per litre was raised by ₹3. In 2024, the federation increased the price by ₹2 per pack but also added 50 ml per packet, which KMF argued was not an actual hike.

The burden on consumers doesn’t stop there. Coffee powder prices are set to rise by ₹200 per kg by March. Additionally, BMTC bus and Namma Metro fares have been revised, and the government is contemplating higher water tariffs. Meanwhile, electricity companies have sought approval to increase power charges by 67 paise per unit.

KMF MD B. Shivaswamy stated that farmers have requested a ₹5 hike per litre. Procurement has dropped from a peak of 99 lakh litres daily to 79-81 lakh litres, affecting supply. Talks with farmer unions and employees are underway to determine cost distribution.

Consumers must brace for steeper living expenses in the coming months.