Milk, Curd, Electricity & More: Here's What Will Get Costlier in Karnataka From April 1

Bengaluru: In Karnataka, the prices of essential items and services like milk, curd, and electricity will increase from April 1. The rise in the prices of these utilities are mostly due to rising input costs and the decisions of Siddaramaiah government.

The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has approved a 36 paise per unit power tariff hike, effective from April 1. The surcharge will be 36 paise per unit for 2025-26, 35 paise for 2026-27, and 34 paise for 2027-28.

Electricity Fixed Charges to Go Up By Rs 25

The state government also approved an increase in the fixed charge from Rs 120 to Rs 145. Homestays will now be billed under domestic tariff slabs, while Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) will maintain its concessional rates.

The tariff adjustment aims to cover pensions and gratuities for employees of electricity supply companies, with KERC also offering some relaxations in the annual hike.

Minister for labour Santosh Lad said that KERC had made the decision to revise tariffs, highlighting that most beneficiaries of the free electricity scheme would not be impacted by the hike.

The revision has triggered political debates, as the ruling Congress and opposition BJP exchange criticisms over its potential impact.

Milk & Curd Prices to Rise by Rs 4 Per Litre

Milk and curd prices in Karnataka will rise by Rs 4 per litre from April 1, following approval from the cabinet. Animal Husbandry Minister K Venkatesh explained that the hike was driven by increased production costs, and the hiked charges will pass directly to farmers.

Also Read: Karnataka Increases Milk Prices by Rs 4, Second Hike in Less Than a Year

Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna said that cow prices have risen from Rs 40,000 to Rs 70,000-80,000, with feed and labor costs doubling. He acknowledged the price hike would affect consumers but noted that Karnataka's milk prices would still be lower than those in neighboring states.

Following the price hike, toned milk (blue packet) will cost Rs 46 per litre, homogenised toned milk Rs 47, cow milk (green packet) Rs 50, special milk (orange packet) Rs 50, and curd Rs 54 per litre. All prices have been increased uniformly by Rs 4 per litre.

The Opposition BJP has condemned the milk price hike. BJP state president B Y Vijayendra called the Rs 4 increase "daylight robbery," accusing the government of taking money from the pockets of the common people.