Aavin has clarified that cardholders can remit the difference in the price of milk brought on by the recent hike between September 1 and 7.
Consumers have to pay the difference for 28 days for the present card cycle, from August 16 to September 15, post the increase by ₹6 per litre.
In a circular issued to all zonal offices, Aavin general manager (marketing) said if the difference is not paid within the stipulated date, milk supply should be continued, but at cash sales price. A total of 7.5 lakh litres of milk, in and around the city, is sold via consumer cards.
A section of cardholders have been told that they won’t be supplied milk after September 6, if the difference is not paid by the previous day. “We just finished one round of collection, we cannot go again in just a few days. Since a section of our customers won’t pay up the first time we ask, we have to go repeatedly to some homes,” he said.
A resident of Choolaimedu said each depot had a different rule and his milk supply man had asked cardholders to pay the difference for the days in this month, before the end of August. “I have to pay the rest next month along with the renewal of cards for the next cycle,” he said.
Consumer activist T. Sadagopan said this was not how Aavin’s loyal customers, who pay the cost upfront, should be treated. “It is an essential commodity and Aavin is not a corporate entity. In some homes, the breadwinner may get delayed salaries. Time must be given till the late date of card extension,” he said.
