Consumers in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will soon feel the impact of rising dairy prices, as private dairies have announced a price hike of ₹2 per litre for milk and ₹5 per kg for curd. The Tamil Nadu Dairy Owners Association, which represents key dairy brands, attributes the hike to increased procurement costs, raw material expenses, and distribution charges.
Why Are Milk & Curd Prices Increasing?
The price hike follows similar moves by dairies in neighboring states earlier this year. Dairy owners cite:
✔ Higher procurement costs due to rising cattle feed and operational expenses.
✔ Transportation and fuel price hikes, affecting distribution networks.
✔ Seasonal supply fluctuations, impacting milk production and availability.
Key Details of the Price Hike
📍 Milk Price Hike: ₹2/litre
📍 Curd Price Hike: ₹5/kg
📍 Effective Dates:
Ruchi Dairy (Puducherry): From Thursday
Veda, Vijay, Yuga (Tamil Nadu): From Friday
Impact on Consumers & Dairy Industry
🔹 Households: Daily expenses will increase, particularly for families relying on milk-based diets.
🔹 Small Businesses: Bakeries, tea shops, and restaurants will face higher costs, potentially passing the burden onto customers.
🔹 Dairy Farmers: Might see improved margins, but operational challenges persist due to rising input costs.
Dairy Owners Justify the Price Hike
Members of the Tamil Nadu Dairy Owners Association have defended the decision, stating that operating costs have surged, making the price adjustment inevitable. “We had no choice but to revise the rates to sustain the dairy business,” a dairy owner commented.
Comparison With Other States
Karnataka & Kerala: Implemented a similar ₹2-3/litre hike in early 2025.
Andhra Pradesh: State-run dairy brands kept prices stable, but private players raised rates due to input costs.
Future of Dairy Prices: Will They Rise Again?
Experts predict that milk prices may continue to rise, depending on:
✔ Cattle feed costs and fodder availability.
✔ Fuel price fluctuations impacting transportation.
✔ Government intervention or subsidy adjustments.
How Consumers Can Manage Costs
✅ Bulk buying & storage – Purchase in larger quantities when possible.
✅ Alternative dairy sources – Opt for government-run dairy brands if prices remain stable.
✅ Homemade dairy products – Consider making curd at home to reduce expenses.
Final Takeaway
With milk and curd prices increasing across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, consumers must prepare for higher grocery bills. As inflation affects the dairy industry, balancing affordability and quality will remain a key challenge.
