The proposed increase could take the price of toned milk from Rs 46 to Rs 54 per litre, with implementation subject to Election Commission approval
Consumers in Karnataka may have to pay more for Nandini milk, with the state Cabinet on 6 October approving a proposal to increase the price by Rs 8 per litre. However, the government has withheld the announcement as the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is in force for the Legislative Council elections, according to media report.
The state government is expected to seek the Election Commission’s approval before proceeding with the proposed increase, according to media reports. The final decision on the quantum and timing of the hike is likely to be taken at the next Cabinet meeting.
The report mentions that the revised prices could come into effect from 1 November, with Chief Minister DK Shivakumar expected to decide whether the entire Rs 8 increase will be passed on to consumers. If the full increase is implemented, Nandini’s basic toned milk, sold in the blue packet, will cost Rs 54 per litre, up from the current Rs 46.
The proposed hike follows demands from milk unions for an increase of Rs 8-10 per litre, citing higher input and operating costs. The unions have pointed to rising expenses on cattle feed, fodder, medicines, transportation and plastic packaging.
Fodder shortages caused by drought conditions have also increased pressure on procurement costs, according to the unions.
Milk unions have also argued that Karnataka’s milk procurement price is lower than that of several southern states. They said toned milk is procured at Rs 35 per litre in Karnataka, compared with Rs 41.50 in Andhra Pradesh, Rs 41.80 in Kerala, Rs 41 in Maharashtra and Rs 42.24 in Tamil Nadu.
If implemented, the proposed revision would be the fifth increase in Nandini milk prices in recent years. Prices were raised by Rs 4 per litre in March 2025, Rs 2 in June 2024, and Rs 3 each in July 2023 and November 2022.
Separately, the Cabinet discussed holding Zilla Panchayat and Taluk Panchayat elections in early January. It also approved the creation of five police commissionerates under the Greater Bengaluru Authority.
