Milk has become expensive in many parts of Madhya Pradesh since April 1, whose prices have increased by Rs 2 to Rs 4 per liter. According to the Madhya Pradesh Milk Vendors Federation, this increase, which has coincided with the new changes in fuel and energy rates, has been seen in cities like Indore, Ujjain, Bhopal and Jabalpur.
The new rates came into effect from the first day of the new financial year. Vendors in Indore told that the price of loose milk which was earlier sold at Rs 60 per liter has now become Rs 63 per liter. Depending on local supply and demand conditions, other cities have also seen similar growth. This increase mainly applies to loose milk, which is largely consumed in urban and semi-urban households.
Milk sellers said that this decision was taken due to seasonal challenges and rising costs. Madhya Pradesh Milk Vendors Federation President Bharat Mathurawala said that due to shortage of green fodder in the summer season and increase in the prices of animal feed, we had to increase the prices of milk. Anyway, the milk production capacity of cattle reduces in summer.
This increase in milk prices has happened at a time when the cost of energy has also increased since April 1. Commercial LPG cylinders and small refill packs have become expensive in major cities. In Delhi, the price of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder has increased by nearly Rs 200, while the prices of smaller refill cylinders of 5 kg have also seen a significant increase. An even sharper increase in commercial LPG rates has been recorded in Kolkata. However, there has been no change in domestic LPG prices this time and they remain at the levels revised earlier in March.
Additionally, Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices have increased in metro cities, with Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai all reporting higher rates. This surge in ATF prices has also affected airlines, especially those flying on international routes, where fuel costs have increased rapidly. Officials have linked the changes to global factors, including high crude oil prices and tensions in West Asia that have disrupted key supply routes. The government says that the supply is stable.
Despite the rising prices, the government has said that there is no shortage of fuel in the country. Officials have said that petrol pumps are working normally and adequate stock of petrol and diesel is available. He has also appealed to the people not to panic, and has also said that the refineries are working at full capacity and the production of LPG has been increased to meet the demand.
