LAST UPDATE | 11 Oct

MAJOR RETAILERS HAVE announced the first cuts on the cost of milk since 2023.

Yesterday, Lidl Ireland reduced the cost of all twelve of its milk cartons, with maximum savings of 16c. The price of a 2-litre carton of milk was reduced from €2.45 to €2.35, while the cost of a 3-litre was reduced from €3.55 to €3.39.

Aldi announced today that its milk range will have savings on its offerings between 16c and 3c, effective from tomorrow. 

Milk prices have increased in recent years due to inflation, in line with the increase in the cost of other basic food items.

Latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that food and drink prices increased by 4.7% in September compared to the same month last year.

The cost of two-litres of milk jumped by 27c in the year ending September 2025, with the average cost now standing at €2.47, according to the CSO.

During the summer, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald told the Dáil that a litre of milk costs more than a litre of petrol.

In July, The Journal found that  the average price of a litre of milk sold in the supermarkets surveyed was €1.50, which was lower than the average price of petrol (€1.77).

But the average price in the smaller shops surveyed was €2.00, much higher than the average price of petrol.

More price reductions

Lidl said the move is part of a wider series of price reductions coming into effect on everyday essential items, including pasta, cereals and convenience meals as well as nappies and pet food.

Robert Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland said: “We understand that rising inflation and the cost-of-living crisis has posed significant challenges for our shoppers as well as our suppliers in recent years.”

He said the company is committed to their promise to customers not to be beaten on price.