Bengal State Dairy Increases Milk Prices Amid Rising Costs
Banglar Dairy, a leading state-run brand in West Bengal, has announced a significant price adjustment, raising its milk prices by ₹4 per litre effective from November 2025. The price increase affects its primary retail brands, with the premium 'Supreme' variety rising from ₹56 to ₹60 per litre. Similarly, the price of 'Tripti' milk has moved from ₹52 to ₹54 per litre, and the 'Swasthya Sathi Double Toned' milk now costs ₹48, up from ₹46 per litre. Prices for other dairy products like ghee, paneer, and curd remain unchanged.
The primary reason for the price hike is a severe disruption in the supply chain and an increase in raw material costs. State Animal Resources Development (ARD) Minister Swapan Debnath attributed the necessity for the price increase to heavy rainfall this year, which caused a critical shortage of cattle fodder. This scarcity, in turn, escalated the cost of raw materials and overall production, forcing the state dairy to act to maintain financial stability.
Minister Debnath clarified that the price adjustment was undertaken on a 'no profit, no loss basis' and was essential to 'protect the interests of milk producers' who are facing higher operating expenses. Despite the price hike, Banglar Dairy remains a more affordable option compared to private market leaders. A 500-ml pack of Banglar Dairy milk is now priced at ₹30, which is lower than the ₹32 charged by major private brands such as Amul, ITC, and Thacker Dairy.
Market experts noted that this price movement is not isolated, as several major dairy companies, including Amul and Metro, have also implemented recent price hikes. Experts also warned that if systemic issues like persistent fodder shortages and rising input costs are not addressed, another round of price hikes could occur during the winter season, potentially impacting the affordability of dairy products across the region.
According to departmental sources, milk production in Bengal has shown robust growth, expanding at an annual rate of 9.76 percent. However, this growth has not been sufficient to offset the sharp rise in input costs.
