The price of milk in various areas of Karachi has plummeted to Rs180 per liter as retailers experience a significant decline in sales. Retailers cited decreased purchases from dairy farmers due to soaring inflation as the primary reason for this price drop. In response, dairy farmers and wholesalers have begun selling their stocks at lower prices to retailers. The reduced milk prices, now at Rs180 per liter, can be observed in several areas of Karachi, including Liaquatabad, Nazimabad, Gulistan-e-Johar, and Landhi. Some shopkeepers have even initiated discount schemes, offering half a liter of milk with the purchase of 1 liter. This development follows recent tensions between milk sellers and dairy farm owners, which had prompted milk vendors across the city to announce the suspension of milk purchases. The vendors protested against a delayed decision on a price hike that had been scheduled for July 1 but had yet to be implemented. Last week, the Karachi Milk Retailers Welfare Association declared the closure of sale points across the metropolis from Monday for an indefinite period, demanding a price hike. During a protest at the Karachi Press Club, they called for a decision on the milk price and gave the local administration a 72-hour ultimatum to respond. Retailers asserted that they could not continue selling milk at the current prices, considering the high rates at which they purchased stock from dairy farmers, ranging from Rs214 to Rs218 per liter. Retailers typically operate on a slim margin, with only Rs20 per liter to cover their expenses.
