Bengaluru : The cost of essential commodities continues to rise in Karnataka, with milk and coffee prices witnessing a sharp hike. The increase, attributed to production costs and global supply issues, is expected to impact households and small businesses across the state.
The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) has announced a ₹5 per litre increase in milk prices, affecting millions of consumers who rely on the state’s popular Nandini brand. The price hike will take effect after the state budget presentation in early March, with toned milk now costing ₹47 per litre.
The decision comes after dairy farmers urged the government to revise procurement rates, citing higher expenses for cattle feed, transportation, and maintenance. KMF officials stated that without an increase, sustaining dairy farming operations would become difficult.
Additionally, milk packets will now be standardized to a one-litre format, replacing the current 1,050 ml packaging. The move aims to simplify pricing and reduce plastic waste, but consumers have expressed concerns over the cumulative burden of rising food costs.
Alongside milk, coffee lovers in Bengaluru are also facing higher prices. The cost of filter coffee is set to rise by 10-15% as global coffee bean prices soar. This price hike will affect small eateries, cafés, and traditional South Indian restaurants, where filter coffee is a daily staple.
The surge in coffee prices is linked to crop losses in major coffee-producing nations like Brazil and Vietnam. Adverse weather conditions in these regions have led to reduced yield, pushing up international coffee prices. As a result, local coffee suppliers in Karnataka are now paying significantly more for raw beans, forcing businesses to increase prices for consumers.
The price of a cup of filter coffee in Bengaluru’s popular cafés and restaurants is expected to rise by ₹3 to ₹5, depending on the establishment. Some restaurants have already adjusted their pricing, while others are expected to implement the new rates by March 1.
The back-to-back price hikes on essential commodities have sparked frustration among consumers. Many households that rely on Nandini milk daily will see a noticeable increase in their monthly expenses. Likewise, small eateries, which depend on affordable coffee supplies, fear losing customers if prices continue to rise.
“This is the third time in recent years that milk prices have gone up. We understand farmers need better returns, but it is becoming difficult for middle-class families to manage household budgets,” said a Bengaluru resident.
Similarly, restaurant owners are concerned about coffee price hikes affecting their business. “We cannot afford to absorb these costs, so we have no choice but to pass them on to customers,” said a café owner in the city.
Dhanya Reddy S
Alma Media School Student
