New Delhi: Following the conclusion of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections on June 1, 2024, India witnessed significant changes the following day. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) announced a nationwide toll hike averaging 5 per cent, while Amul, a leading milk supplier, raised prices on its pouch milk across all markets.

The annual revision of highway toll fees, which was deferred due to the Lok Sabha elections, came into effect on June 2. According to a senior NHAI official, the toll fee adjustment is based on changes in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation and will impact nearly 855 user fee plazas on the national highway network.

"This means that motorists across the country will have to pay more money to cross over at these toll plazas," the official stated. In Tamil Nadu, toll booth employees distributed pamphlets and made announcements through loudspeakers to inform people about the toll hike.

In a parallel development aligned with the conclusion of the Lok Sabha elections, Amul has implemented a price increase on its fresh pouch milk starting from June 3. The new prices include a rise of Rs.2 per litre for Amul Gold and Amul Taaza, Rs.3 per litre for Amul Buffalo Milk, and an increase of Rs.1 per litre for other variants across all markets in India.

"This price hike is being done due to the increase in the overall cost of operation and production of milk. Our member unions have also increased farmers' compensation by approximately 6-8 per cent over the last year," said the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which markets dairy products under the 'Amul' brand.

The statement further added, "The price revision shall help in sustaining remunerative milk prices to our milk producers and encourage them for higher milk production."

These changes come in the wake of the Lok Sabha election 2024 results and are expected to have an impact on the daily lives of people across the country.

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