The associations had already increased the price by Rs 3 a litre around 10 months ago, hence the announcement of fresh hike has consumers upset.

Though CM Parkash Singh Badal had formed a committee few days back to review the decision of price hike by dairy farmers, Ludhiana dairy owners categorically stated that they have nothing to do with the committee's report.

Confirming the hike, Tajpur Dairy Association President DS Oberoi said, "The committee formed by the CM will decide about the rates in the rural areas and not in the urban areas. Hence, we have nothing to do with the report. The dairy owners in Jalandhar have already hiked the prices. The dairy owners of Ludhiana have unanimously taken the decision."

The dairy owners have highlighted that the prices of green fodder, which is consumed by cattle, have been increased by four times in the past one year. They said farmers are not growing green fodder in proper quantity, hence the prices of fodder have increased. Thus, they have no choice but to increase the prices of milk.

The dairy owners had also organized a meeting in this regard today in Ludhiana.