PNS|Hyderabad
The Telangana Government has given a big shock to liquor consumers. The Excise Department sent a circular to shops on Sunday stating that the prices of liquor are being increased. The price of a quarter bottle has increased by Rs 10, that of a half bottle by Rs 20 and a full bottle by Rs 40.
The government had already increased the price of beer. The Excise Commissioner prepared a report a month ago after taking the suggestion of the price committee and the opinions of liquor companies. Later, it was placed before the government.
The government will now get Rs 2,000 crore more per year from the increased liquor prices. The agreement made with the liquor companies for the supply of liquor will end on June 30.
The new agreement will come into effect from July 1. The government is planning to increase the prices of liquor within this time and enter into agreements with distilleries, distributors and supply companies.
Compared to neighbouring states, the prices of liquor are higher in Telangana. Excise Department officials are concerned that if the prices are increased further, the cheap liquor business will collapse, and then the smuggling of NDPL liquor and fake liquor from other states is likely to increase.
It seems that the Excise Commissioner has already told the government to keep the prices of cheap liquor under control. Meanwhile, the government is planning to sell liquor in tetra packets like in Karnataka to avoid increasing prices. It is reported that this will reduce the price by at least Rs 15 to Rs 20 per quarter.
The government has already received a report to increase the prices of liquor in two slabs. The government has also received proposals to increase the prices of three categories of liquor while keeping the prices of cheap liquor unchanged. It seems that the government has increased prices without causing any legal implications.
