The daily household budget for thousands of families in the State capital is set to feel a sharper pinch starting Friday. The Bhopal Sahakari Dugdha Sangh Maryadit, which operates the popular local Sanchi brand, has officially announced a price hike of Re 1 to Rs 3 on various packaged milk variants, citing rising procurement and operational costs. According to the official information, the new rates will be effective from the morning of May 15. The largest single increase impacts 1-litre packets of Gold (Full Cream) milk, which have jumped from Rs 67 to Rs 70, a significant Rs 3 increase. The 500ml Gold packet is also up by Re 1, retailing at Rs 35. Other popular variants, including Shakti (Standard), Taza (Toned), and Smart (Double Toned) in 500ml sizes, will each see a uniform Re 1 price increase. Chai (Tea) milk in the 1-litre pack is also Rs 2 more expensive, rising from Rs 60 to Rs 62. The kitchen budget is crumbling: The news has been met with immediate concern from the residents of Bhopal, where Sanchi enjoys a massive market share. For many, this price revision is seen as the latest blow in a series of inflation shocks on essential commodities.

 

“It’s not just about one or two rupees; everything is interconnected,” says Sunita, a resident of Arera Colony. “First it was the cooking gas cylinder, then the price of seasonal vegetables skyrocketed, and now this hike on basic milk. For a family of five that consumes two litres a day, this is a substantial extra cost per month. It might seem small, but when every single essential item is getting costlier, the entire monthly kitchen budget just collapses.” Adding to the concern, Ankit Verma, a university student living in a rented accommodation in Indrapuri, expressed how these small hikes accumulate for those on a fixed allowance. “As a student, every rupee counts. Most of us rely on tea and quick meals that require milk..” Impact on small businesses and tea stalls: Local tea stall owners and small cafe operators are also expressing severe anxiety. Ramesh, who runs a popular tea stall near Board Office Square, feels the pressure on his margins. “I can’t keep increasing the price of a cup of tea every few months. Customers already complain even if we raise it by one rupee. But if milk, sugar, and gas all go up, we are left with nothing to take home,” he says. In a move that offers some relief to the lower-income sections, Sanchi has decided to keep the price of its smallest, most accessible pouch unchanged. The circular specifies that the rates for Sanchi D.T.M. 180ml pouches will remain as before.