Milk prices have increased across several cities in Madhya Pradesh, adding to the burden on households already dealing with rising fuel and energy costs. The price of loose milk has gone up by ₹2 to ₹4 per litre, with the revised rates coming into effect from April 1.

According to the Madhya Pradesh Milk Vendors Federation, the hike has been observed in key cities including Indore, Bhopal, Ujjain, and Jabalpur. In Indore, for instance, loose milk that was earlier sold at ₹60 per litre is now priced at ₹63. Similar increases have been reported in other regions, depending on local supply and demand.

Seasonal Factors Behind the Hike
Vendors have attributed the price rise to seasonal challenges and increased input costs. Federation president Bharat Mathurawala said that the summer season leads to a shortage of green fodder, while the cost of animal feed rises significantly. Additionally, milk production from cattle tends to decline during hotter months, further tightening supply.

Rising Fuel Costs Add Pressure
The milk price hike coincides with an increase in energy costs. Commercial LPG cylinder prices have risen sharply in major cities. In Delhi, a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has become costlier by around ₹200, while smaller refill cylinders have also seen price increases. Kolkata has recorded even steeper hikes.

However, domestic LPG cylinder prices remain unchanged at levels last revised in March.

Impact of Global Factors on Fuel Prices
Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices have also increased across metro cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. The surge is being linked to global factors, including elevated crude oil prices and geopolitical tensions in West Asia that have disrupted supply routes.

Government Assures Stable Supply
Despite rising prices, the government has assured that there is no shortage of fuel in the country. Officials stated that petrol pumps are functioning normally, refineries are operating at full capacity, and LPG production has been ramped up to meet demand.