Business decrease: Hoteliers oppose govt’s proposal to hike milk prices

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Fearing an increase in the cost of hot beverages, the Karnataka State Hotels Association (KSHA) has opposed the proposed revision of milk prices, which includes a suggested hike of Rs?5. In a letter to the state government and the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), KSHA President G.K. Shetty warned that the increase could severely impact businesses in Bengaluru.

The opposition also comes against the backdrop of rising coffee bean prices. If the cost of milk goes up by ?5, hotel owners will be forced to raise the prices of tea and coffee. Shetty expressed concern that the hike could threaten the survival of the hotel industry, which provides livelihoods to lakhs of families in the state and serves as a significant source of tax revenue for the state government and local bodies.

"Hotels serve quality tea, coffee, and other beverages while adhering to hygiene and food safety regulations. If milk prices rise, an increase in beverage prices will be inevitable," he said. He urged the government to withdraw the proposal.