Dairy farmers in Karachi have demanded another increase in fresh milk prices, saying rising production costs have made it difficult to continue selling milk at the current rate.
Dairy farmers are seeking an increase of Rs60 per litre. Spokesperson Shabbir Dar, said farmers could set the retail price at Rs300 per litre if the government and city administration do not issue a revised price notification.
Dar said farmers have repeatedly approached the authorities and held meetings over the issue. However, a new price notification has still not been issued.
He also criticised the Karachi Commissioner over delays in resolving the matter. The farmers want authorities to calculate the price according to current production expenses.
Dairy farmers to rise costs
According to the farmers, fuel prices increased the cost of running dairy farms. Higher petrol and diesel prices have affected transportation and the movement of animal feed and other supplies.
Dar said cattle feed that previously cost around Rs800 now costs Rs1,700. Farmers are also facing higher expenses for veterinary medicines, electricity, labour and water.
The dairy sector has raised similar concerns several times this year.
Previously, the Dairy and Cattle Farmers Association said production costs had increased sharply due to higher prices of feed, electricity, fuel, medicines, veterinary services and labour.
Farmers also reported disruption in fodder supplies from Sindh and Balochistan, raising concerns about a possible shortage of milk in Karachi.
Farmers are now asking authorities to set a rate that reflects their current expenses. They have also warned that failure to resolve the issue could affect milk supplies in the city.
Current official milk price in Karachi
The Karachi administration increased the official retail price of fresh milk earlier this year.
The retail price was fixed at Rs240 per litre, from April 1, 2026. The dairy farmer rate was set at Rs215 per litre, while the wholesale rate was fixed at Rs225 per litre.
The notification also stated that sellers would not be allowed to charge above the officially approved rates.
The latest demand would take the retail price from Rs240 to Rs300 per litre, an increase of Rs60.
However, the Rs300 rate remains a demand from dairy farmers, who say they may introduce the higher price themselves if authorities do not revise the official rate.