Consumers cut up over Aavin milk price hike in Tamil Nadu

The hike is expected to lead to increase in prices of tea, coffee and other milk-based products

Consumers say the hike of Rs. 10 per litre is too steep and could have at least been implemented in a phased manner — File Photo

Even as milk producers in the State are happy with the government’s decision to hike prices of Aavin milk by Rs. 10 per litre, consumers are vehemently opposed to the decision.

They say the hike is very steep and could have at least been implemented in a phased manner.

Kumararaja of Velachery said that this hike would only further push up prices of private brands. “The government had increased procurement price by Rs. 3 per litre in January. It could have correspondingly increased the milk prices then to avoid imposing a burden for consumers. With Aavin being a government-run enterprise, it could have continued to subsidise the price of milk,” he said. 

Echoing DMK president M. Karunanidhi’s sentiment, N. Meenakshi, resident of Vannaankuttai, said: “The hike will eat into my budget. When I pay Rs. 10 more for a private milk brand, I am assured of quality. Will this hike ensure quality in milk?”

Seethalakshmi Gnanasekaran of Choolaimedu, who is part of a large joint family, said the burden would be quite huge on the family’s budget. “Already there is a talk of a hike in property tax rates. Tangedco too is mulling an increase in power tariff; these two will lead to an increase in rentals. Also there are plans to increase LPG prices. All these will definitely lead to having to cut down on essentials,” she said.

The hike will lead to an increase in prices of tea, coffee and other milk-based products including milk sweets, said M. Venkadasubbu, president, Tamil Nadu Hotels Association.

“One litre of milk can be used to make eight cups of coffee, which means an increase of at least Rs. 2 per cup. Hotels are already burdened by many things. This increase, unfortunately, will also have to be passed on to the consumers,” he said.