Thiruvananthapuram: Milma has deferred a proposed hike in milk prices in Kerala until January, citing a recent reduction in GST on dairy products.

The decision was taken at a meeting of regional unions and the state federation, which reviewed recommendations on pricing. An expert committee advised against raising prices at this stage. Consumers are set to benefit from lower GST on dairy products starting September 22.

With local body elections approaching, the state government also did not favour an immediate hike. The Ernakulam regional union had pushed for an increase of ₹6 per litre, while the Dairy Development Department sought a ₹5 hike. The Thiruvananthapuram and Malabar unions left the final decision to the federation.

The last revision in milk prices in the state came in December 2022.