An outlet of Sudha Dairy near Sarjana Chowk in Ranchi on Tuesday. Picture by Hardeep Singh

It’s the season of sweets round the corner but an imminent hike in milk prices could well sour the festive flavour.

Though a final decision is awaited, Suds Dairy is all set to increase prices of toned and full-cream milk by Rs 2 to Rs 3 per litre for the second time this year.

According to Sudha Dairy officials, increase in procurement costs in rural areas, coupled with rising cost of packaging, labour and transportation had forced the Bihar State Milk Cooperative Federation Limited (COMFED) to mull a price increase again.

In March, Sudha Dairy had increased the price of both toned and standard milk by Rs 2 per litre. Officials said the next hike would see the cost of toned milk rising to Rs 14 from Rs 12.50 for half a litre, while a litre of toned milk will cost Rs 27, up from Rs 25.

Full-cream or standard milk is expected to cost Rs 15 from Rs 13.50 for half litre, while a litre will cost Rs 30 instead of the Rs 27 at present.

Speaking to The Telegraph, chief executive of Sudha Dairy Ajay Kumar Sinha said the new prices had been decided but not finalised. “Initially, the new prices were supposed to become effective September 23, but now the date has been deferred,” he said.

Sinha added that the price of milk products would not change.

As expected, the very real possibility of a rise in milk prices was met with dismay by homemakers in the capital. “We are already burdened with rising prices. As of now we are managing with just half litre milk daily, but during festivals we need more,” said Bariatu resident Namita Singh.

The effect of rising prices just before major festivals like Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath appeared to be playing on everyone’s minds. “We need milk to make sweets during the festive season but I don’t know how I will manage. I will have to depend on readymade sweets,” said Morabadi homemaker Sadhna Shandilya.

Jharkhand depends on Bihar to meet its requirement of milk. According to the animal husbandry department, the state produces approximately 19 lakh tonne milk annually, when the total demand is 33.69 lakh tonne.

How will the milk price hike hit your family’s budget?

Tell ttkhand@abpmail.com