Hubballi: Confusion over the recent milk price revision has triggered disputes between consumers and retailers across Hubballi-Dharwad, particularly over Nandini Shubham milk, whose price has risen by Rs 12 per litre despite the state govt announcing an overall hike of Rs 8 per litre.The issue has been compounded by the continued use of milk packets carrying the old printed prices. As a result, many consumers suspect retailers of overcharging, while vendors insist they are collecting the revised rates fixed by the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF).Udaykumar S, a resident of Navanagar, said his vendor has been charging Rs 64 per litre for Shubham milk, even though the packet still shows the earlier price of Rs 52. “The govt announced an Rs 8 hike, but Shubham milk has gone up by Rs 12. Consumers are confused and the govt should bring the price down to Rs 60 per litre,” he said.Retailers say they are bearing the brunt of consumers’ anger. Kallanagouda Mulkipatil, a milk vendor in Lingaraj Nagar, said explaining the revised rates to customers has become challenging. “Shubham and toned milk are the most popular varieties. While toned milk has gone up by Rs 8 a litre, Shubham milk has increased by Rs 12,” he said.The price of Homogenised Shubham milk has also risen from Rs 53 to Rs 65 per litre. Prices of curd have increased as well, with hikes ranging from Rs 6 to Rs 8 for half-litre packs and Rs 14 for one-litre packs.Consumer groups have questioned the steep increase. Shivashankar Aiholi, secretary of Hubballi-Dharwad Ward Samiti Balaga Trust, alleged that the hike lacked adequate justification and would burden consumers while also triggering inflationary pressures.Dharwad Milk Union (Damul) MD DT Kalasad said the govt announced an Rs 8 hike, while KMF revised rates based on fat content. “Our head office increased prices by 60 paise for every 0.1% increase in fat content. We are only implementing those instructions,” he said.
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