Sharpest spike in 70 years: Mumbai buffalo milk price rises by Rs 9 per litre ahead of festive season

The price of fresh buffalo milk supplied by cattle sheds in Mumbai rose by Rs 9 per litre to Rs 102 on Tuesday, with the hike coming ahead of the festive and wedding season.

The Mumbai Milk Producers' Welfare Association (MMPA) said the revised wholesale rate will remain in effect until February 28, 2027, citing a 60 to 70 per cent increase in the cost of acquiring milch animals and a 25 per cent rise in feed prices.

MMPA chairman C K Singh said the wholesale price increase could push retail rates to Rs 115-125 per litre or higher, depending on the locality and demand.

"The wholesale price hike by Rs 9 per litre from September 1 means retail rates may also shoot up to Rs 115-125 per litre or more, depending on the localities served, and the local demand," Singh said.

The decision was taken at the association's bi-annual general body meeting. The MMPA supplies fresh buffalo milk through its network of dairies, neighbourhood retailers and farms.

The Rs 9 increase is the steepest in the 70-year history of the association. The previous revision, in February, saw the wholesale price rise from Rs 91 to Rs 93 per litre.

The increase is expected to put further pressure on consumers at a time when demand for milk typically rises by 35 to 40 per cent during festive and marriage seasons. Large quantities of milk are used to prepare sweets at homes as well as commercial establishments during this period.

The higher milk prices could also raise the cost of milk-based beverages, chilled and frozen desserts and other dairy products.

MMPA members attributed the increase primarily to higher costs of maintaining and feeding buffaloes.

Singh said prices of milch animals had risen by 60 to 70 per cent, while feed items such as "dana", "tuvar", "chuni" and "chana-chuni" had become about 25 per cent more expensive on average. The cost of grass and hay has also increased, he said.

Mumbai consumes more than 50 lakh litres of buffalo milk every day, of which MMPA members supply more than 7 lakh litres, according to Singh.

The price hike comes ahead of a series of major festivals, including Ganesh festival, Navratri, Diwali, Christmas and Ramzan, besides the wedding season.