Beer to cost dear: TS hikes liquor prices; expects to earn Rs. 6,000 cr annually

Hyderabad: The Telangana government on Thursday increased liquor prices to mop up revenues. The maximum retail price (MRP) of beer is being increased by Rs. 10 for all sizes.

The MRP of brands whose present MRP is less than Rs. 200 is being increased by Rs. 20, 40, and 80 for 180 ml, 375 ml, and 750 ml, respectively. The MRP of brands whose present MRP is greater than Rs. 200 is being increased by Rs. 40, 80, and 160 for 180 ml, 375 ml, and 750 ml, respectively.

The MRP of wine is being increased by Rs. 10, 20, and 40 for 180 ml, 375 ml, and 750 ml bottles, respectively.

The rates of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL), beer, and foreign liquor (FL) are being increased in Telangana. The new rates will be effective from 19 May, the Prohibition and Excise department said on Thursday.

It said that the price increase will lead to moderation in the consumption of liquor and beer in the state. The increased MRPs will be effective on stocks with old MRPs printed on them as well.

The prices of all brands of liquor were hiked and this is expected to help the government generate additional revenues of Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 7,000 crores annually. The state had earned Rs. 30,000 crores from liquor sales in 2021-22 with the tax income reported at Rs. 12,000 crores.

The Excise officials checked the liquor stocks at wine shops, bars, and pubs on Wednesday night after the day's sales came to an end. The available stocks will be sold at new rates from Thursday.

The liquor prices have been hiked for the first time since the liquor policy 2021-23 came into effect. Liquor prices were last hiked in May 2020 soon after the first phase of the COVID-19 lockdown.