Key Highlights
- Nationwide Implementation: The price hike takes effect at the start of the day on Thursday, May 14, 2026.
- Uniform Increase: All variants, including Full Cream, Toned, and Double Toned milk, will see a flat ₹2 per liter rise.
- Rising Input Costs: Steep increases in cattle feed (fodder), packaging, and transportation are cited as primary drivers.
- Inflationary Pressure: The move follows April’s CPI inflation report of 3.48%, exacerbated by global energy volatility.
In a move that is set to further strain household budgets, the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which markets the Amul brand, and Mother Dairy have simultaneously announced a price revision for their liquid milk portfolios. According to official statements released on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the retail price for all milk categories will increase by ₹2 per liter.
The cooperatives emphasized that the hike is essential to protect the interests of dairy farmers. By passing a portion of the increased costs to consumers, the organizations aim to ensure that milk producers receive remunerative prices amidst rising overheads, thereby maintaining the stability of the domestic supply chain.
Economic Drivers: Fodder and Fuel
The dairy industry has been grappling with a “scissor effect” of rising costs and logistical hurdles. Amul highlighted a significant surge in the price of cattle fodder, which constitutes a major portion of a farmer’s operational expenditure.
Furthermore, the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have had a ripple effect on Indian logistics. Rising global crude oil prices have led to higher transportation and cold-chain maintenance costs. The cooperative noted that the cost of food-grade packaging materials has also seen an upward trend over the last two quarters, making the current price points unsustainable.
Updated Amul Milk Price List (Effective May 14, 2026)
The following table outlines the revised rates for major Amul variants in the retail market:
| Variant | Pack Size | Old Price (₹) | New Price (₹) | Total Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amul Taaza | 500 ml | 29 | 30 | ₹1 |
| Amul Taaza | 1 Liter | 57 | 59 | ₹2 |
| Amul Cow Milk | 500 ml | 30 | 31 | ₹1 |
| Amul Shakti | 500 ml | 32 | 33 | ₹1 |
| Amul Tea Special | 1 Liter | 65 | 67 | ₹2 |
| Amul Gold | 500 ml | 35 | 36 | ₹1 |
| Amul Gold | 1 Liter | 70 | 72 | ₹2 |
| Amul Buffalo Milk | 500 ml | 38 | 39 | ₹1 |
Mother Dairy Follows Suit
Mirroring Amul’s decision, Mother Dairy confirmed a similar ₹2 per liter hike across its liquid milk range in the Delhi-NCR region and other national markets. A spokesperson for Mother Dairy stated that the company is experiencing “unprecedented pressure” on raw milk procurement prices, which have risen steadily over the past few months.
The Broader Inflationary Context
This latest price revision marks the second major hike in a little over a year, with the last significant increase occurring on May 1, 2025, which also saw a ₹2 per liter jump.
Consumer advocates express concern as this development coincides with a rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). April’s data revealed that retail inflation surged to 3.48%, primarily fueled by a spike in food and vegetable prices. With milk being a staple in the Indian diet, the cumulative effect of these increases, coupled with the global economic uncertainty stemming from West Asian conflicts, is expected to weigh heavily on middle and lower-income families.
