Increased prices for dairy products and state-run bus services are adding pressure to household budgets across the state.
Households in Karnataka are facing higher living expenses following recent hikes in milk prices and bus fares across four state-run transport corporations, according to reports by South First, Deccan Chronicle, and ANI.
The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) implemented milk price increases on 1 November. Retail prices for Nandini milk varieties rose by Rs 8 to Rs 12 per litre, while curd prices increased by Rs 12 per litre. The Bangalore Hotels’ Association has opposed the hike, requesting the government cap the increase at Rs 2 to Rs 3.
Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh announced that bus fares would also rise, citing increased diesel prices. The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has increased ticket prices by 33 to 35 per cent. On BMTC buses, the minimum fare will rise from Rs 6 to Rs 10, and the maximum fare will increase from Rs 35 to Rs 45.
The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) announced an average fare hike of 23 per cent. For express services, the fare to Kolar and Tumakuru will increase from Rs 81 to Rs 100. The Vayu Vajra airport services will now cost up to Rs 425, up from Rs 405.
The fare revisions for KSRTC, the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and the Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC) came into effect on Wednesday midnight. Minister Suresh noted that fares for weekly and monthly passes are set to increase by next week.
