Liquor prices likely to go up again in Telangana

The State government plans to raise liquor prices by 10-15% from Monday, expecting Rs.130-150 crore monthly revenue. Prices may increase by Rs.40-60 per bottle; cheap liquor prices might remain unchanged

Hyderabad: After increasing beer prices in February early this year, the cash-starved State government is now reportedly planning to increase liquor prices by about 10 to 15 percent across brands.

The revised prices are likely to come into effect from Monday. Prices of cheap liquor might not be revised. The increased liquor prices are expected to generate a revenue of nearly Rs.130 crore to Rs.150 crore a month to the government.

Already, a revised price list of liquor brands is doing rounds on social media platforms but there is no official order or confirmation from the State government. Wine dealers too said there was no communication yet from the Excise department.

However, according to information available, the prices are being increased by at least Rs.40 to Rs.60 per bottle. For instance, Ballantine blended scotch whisky aged 12 years, which is currently being sold for Rs.4,150, is likely to have the price increased to Rs.4,210. Similarly, Johnnie Walker Black Label aged 12 years, which is now sold for Rs.4,690, could cost Rs.4,730.

According to sources, the Price Fixation Committee had already recommended to the State government to increase the liquor prices by about 10 to 15 percent. The file was sent to Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy for final approval and the orders could be expected anytime, officials indicated.

There is uncertainty among wine dealers over the orders and their implementation as well.

“So far, there has been no official communication from the excise department. We just learnt about the price hike through WhatsApp messages,” a wine dealer in Banjara Hills said.

Likewise, there is also apprehension over the existing stocks among the dealers.

“There is no clarity over the existing stocks. Will the department permit us to sell the stocks at the existing prices or at the increased prices is not clear,” an office bearer of the Telangana Wine Dealers Association said.

It may be recalled that the State government had increased the beer prices by 15 percent in February. Accordingly, a Kingfisher Ultra beer (650ml), which was sold for Rs.210, is now being sold at Rs.250. The price hike came shortly after the Kingfisher row where United Breweries Limited (UBL) had decided to halt its supply of Kingfisher and Heineken beers to Telangana Beverages Corporation Limited (TGBCL), citing losses due to the beverage’s stagnant prices in the State.

Initially, the Chief Minister had said the government would not heed to pressure tactics but eventually, the prices were increased.