Patna, Sep 22 (IANS): The Bihar State Co-operative Milk Producers' Federation (COMPFED), which sells milk and milk products in the state and outside it under the brand name of "Sudha", on Thursday increased prices of the two available varieties of milk by Rs 2 and Rs 3 per litre.

This decision of COMPFED surprised millions of people, who are busy preparing for Durga Puja that began on Thursday, as use of milk doubles during this festive season in every family.

Consumers in Bihar would have to pay Rs 2 and Rs 3 more for a litre of milk from Friday, officials said.

A COMPFED official told IANS that the new prices would be effective from Friday.

"The milk prices of Sudha brand will be Rs 2 and Rs 3 costlier now," the official said, elaborating that Sudha Shakti would now be available at Rs 41 a kg from Rs 39 and Sudha Gold at Rs 48 per litre from Rs 45.

COMPFED's officials justified the increase in milk prices, saying that farmers would benefit from it. "Now farmers will get Rs 1.5 to Rs 2 more per litre."

However, common consumers have expressed their anger over it. "At a time when common people are struggling, increase of milk price by Rs 3 is bad news for us," said Saket Kumar, a businessman.

Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal has also criticised the state government's decision to increase milk prices on the eve of Durga Puja.