Residents of Pakistan’s economic hub are likely to face a significant milk price hike after Eid, as dairy farmers have announced they will increase the retail price of milk to Rs300 per kilogram. This move comes amidst mounting production costs due to the rise in the cost of livestock, animal feed, fodder and veterinary medicines. The Karachi Dairy Farmers Association has raised these concerns with city authorities who have yet to formally notify a revision of milk prices.
The association spokesperson, Ghulam Shabbir Dar, argues that the current cost of producing milk has climbed to nearly Rs295 per kilogram, leaving farmers with little room for sustenance. He suggests dairy farmers are planning to increase the price by about Rs80 per kilogram after Eid due to the steady rise in input costs. These escalated costs have led many small and medium-scale dairy farmers into financial collapse.
Despite these appeals, the city authorities have not yet issued a formal notification allowing an increase in milk rates. This uncertainty has left the industry in flux. Farmers also point to broader inflationary conditions in Pakistan, with fuel prices having risen by approximately Rs55 per litre, pushing petrol to around Rs321 per litre. The government’s move is expected to affect food supply chains and raise the cost of essential commodities.
Dairy producers attribute this price hike to fuel costs, which directly impact milk transportation from rural farms to urban markets, adding another layer of financial strain on farmers. If implemented, consumers in Karachi may soon pay Rs300 per kilogram for fresh milk, underscoring the growing tension between rising production costs and the affordability of essential food items.