HYDERABAD: Your drink is likely to get costlier as the Congress govt is mulling to increase liquor prices. According to highly placed sources, the proposal was made last week and discussions have also begun.
In the last five years, this would be the third price hike and the first by the Congress govt since it was voted to power in Dec last year.
Earlier, in 2022, the then BRS govt had last hiked the prices for all types of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and beer.Prior to that, the KCR govt had increased the rates in May 2020 soon after the first phase of Covid-19 lockdown.
Sources said the price revision will not be limited to liquor alone but also include licence and registration fees for companies and distilleries too.
“A clear picture about the price revision will emerge after a few more deliberations by authorities and only after this the Telangana State Beverages Corporation will come into the picture,” a source said.
The state has been earning more than Rs 30,000 crore from liquor in the past few years though in the first year of state formation (2014) it was only Rs 10,000 crore. There are more than 500 brands available in the state.
Last year, a little before assembly polls, the then BRS govt had reduced the prices marginally. TSBC had recommended lowering the existing special excise cess (SEC) rates on IMFL and foreign liquor (other than beer), which had brought down rates from Rs 10 to Rs 40 for different quantities.
In another development, the state govt has cancelled the process of registration of Som Distilleries and Breweries after allegations against the liquor firm.
The Som Distilleries and Breweries was accused of numerous violations, including the sale of illicit liquor in other states. “The registration process was initiated by the excise department in a hurry but it has now been quietly cancelled,” a source said.