From diesel to milk to tolls, here’s all that is getting costlier in Karnataka from this month on

Karnataka on Tuesday increased its diesel rates. The state government has raised the sales tax on diesel from 18.44 per cent to 21.17 per cent, resulting in a price hike of approximately Rs 2 per litre. This adjustment pushes the retail price of diesel in Bengaluru from Rs 89.02 to Rs 91.02 per litre.

Milk and Curd

Nandini milk and curd are now costlier by Rs 4 per litre/kg. For instance, the price of a litre of milk has jumped from Rs 42 to Rs 46 and that of a half-litre packet by Rs 2. This surge will impact several households amid ongoing inflation.

Water bills

For the first time in 10 years, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board is hiking water tariffs by one paisa per litre. This seemingly small increase could add Rs 400–Rs 500 to monthly household bills, a significant burden for families dependent on piped water.

Electricity tariffs

Electricity costs are rising again across Karnataka. A 36 paise per-unit surcharge has been added to fund employee salaries, alongside a broader tariff hike. The minimum charge is up by Rs 25, with per-unit rates increasing from Rs 5.96 to Rs 6.16, raising concerns about escalating household expenses.

Garbage fee

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has introduced a solid waste management fee, bundled with property tax, to enhance waste collection and disposal. Rates vary by property size:

– Up to 600 sq ft: Rs 10/month
– 600–1,000 sq ft: Rs 50/month
– 2,000–3,000 sq ft: Rs 150/month
– 3,000–4,000 sq ft: Rs 200/month
– Above 4,000 sq ft: Rs 400/month

This new levy adds another layer of cost for Bengaluru residents.

Stamp duty and affidavit fees spike
Across Karnataka, stamp duty has surged from Rs 50 to Rs 500, and affidavit fees from Ra 20 to Rs 100, reflecting a steep increase in legal documentation costs.

Tolls

Highway tolls are rising by 7 per cent to 10 per cent, impacting commuters and transporters across the state and national highways.

Building Maintenance
Renewal fees for lifts and transformers in buildings are climbing to Rs 1,000 and Rs 8,000 respectively, adding to property-related expenses.

Vehicle prices

New cars are costlier, with Maruti Suzuki raising prices by 4 per cent, and Hyundai, Mahindra, and Kia by 2 per cent. Imported cars face higher taxes, further driving up costs.

Medicine costs

Prices for medicines treating infections, diabetes, and other conditions are up by 1.47 per cent, affecting healthcare budgets.

Banking and cigarette costs rise

Banks like SBI are increasing minimum balance requirements for savings accounts. A 16 per cent tax hike on cigarettes is making them more expensive.

Amid these hikes and the controversy over reservations for Muslims, the Opposition BJP is set to launch its Janakrosha Yatra from Chief Minister Siddaramiah’s home district on April 7.

Union minister and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy lashed out at the Congress government. “A Lie a Day! A Price Hike Every Month!! This is the governance model of the Karnataka East India Congress Company government! Starting today, the Congress Company government is even imposing a cess on garbage!! Pretext: Five Guarantees! Real Intent: Looting the People!! Even Mahmud of Ghazni and Muhammad Ghori would be ashamed of this price hike invasion on Kannadigas!!,” he wrote on social media.

He added, “The Congress Company government, which has turned prosperous Karnataka into ruins through misgovernance, has now taken the form of a ‘Price Hike Demon’ and is draining the blood of the people like leeches! The Price Hike Demon Congress government has increased rates on water, metro rail, KSRTC bus tickets, milk (three times), electricity, stamp duty, excise duty, outpatient charges in government hospitals, post-mortem examination fees, medical certificate charges, lab test fees, professional tax, and seed prices. As if all this wasn’t enough, from today (April 1), it is imposing a Garbage Cess on the people!! A massive loot under the guise of waste management.”