Coles is maintaining higher milk prices even after it ends subsidies provided to dairy farmers, drawing criticism from some customers and commentators. The retailer previously introduced higher charges to customers during the war in the Middle East, saying the approach helped support farmers.
Multiple outlets report that the company’s subsidy arrangements are being withdrawn, and that Coles is not fully passing on the change to prices at the checkout. The articles also note that a Woolworths supplier has ended related subsidies, alongside Coles’ actions.
While the reporting centers on Coles’ decision, outlets differ slightly in emphasis—some foreground the consumer impact of continued price levels, others focus on the rationale for the original price changes during the Middle East conflict and the subsequent removal of support. Across sources, the shared point is that subsidies tied to dairy farming are being reduced or discontinued, but milk prices remain higher than critics expect.
