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"Milk producers face significant cost increases. [We] will allow retail prices to rise based on the real costs," a senior Commerce Ministry source said yesterday.

The retail price for a 250cc carton of milk is expected to increase 12 per cent, or about Bt1.

However, the new retail prices should not take effect this month, because manufacturers have enough stock of raw milk for about a month's production, the source said.

Fresh and UHT milk will be the first products with the new prices, because they are made mainly from raw milk.

The Commerce Ministry is also waiting for manufacturers to provide data on their production costs for the ministry to calculate the retail prices that would be appropriate and fair.

Meanwhile, six major manufacturers of consumer goods agreed to freeze prices in response to the ministry's attempt to cushion consumers from the escalating cost of living.

Unilever Thai Trading, Lion, Colgate-Palmolive, Sahapathanapibul, Kao Commercial and Procter & Gamble submitted plans to offer special promotions and reaffirm they would delay raising retail prices as long as possible.

Internal Trade Department director-general Yangyong Phuangrach said those producers were good examples. This will help consumers bear surging costs for daily necessities.