Telangana: Revenue Increases, But Liquor Sales Decrease After Price Hike

The Telangana government has increased liquor prices by 20 to 25 percent. Liquor brands with a maximum retail price (MRP) of less than Rs 200 is hiked by Rs 20, Rs 40, and Rs 80 for the quarter, half, and full bottles respectively. The price of brands costing higher than Rs 200 was hiked by Rs 40, Rs 80, and Rs 160 for the quarter, half, and full bottles respectively. The MRP of all beer brands in all sizes is increased by Rs 10. Similarly, the MRP of all wine brands is increased by Rs 10 for a quarter (180ml), Rs 20 for a half (375ml), and Rs 40 for a full (750ml) bottle.

Before the increase in the prices, about 4 lakh cases of beer were sold in the Rangareddy district but after the hike, only 3.6 lakh cases of beer were sold from 19 to 28 of this month. Beer sales have dropped drastically. In Rangareddy district, which has the highest liquor sales witnessed a huge drop in sales. Before the hike in the liquor prices, 1.86 lakh cases of IML liquor were sold but after the new prices, only 1.84 lakh cases of IML liquor were sold.

A big difference was noticed in the sale of liquor in Hyderabad and Medchal Excise districts. The owners of many wine shops opined that the consumption of alcohol was decreased to some extent in view of the increased prices. 

In the first ten days of this month, 85,000 cases of beers were sold in the Medchal district, while 80,000 cases of beers were sold from the 19th to the 28th of this month. The situation is similar in Hyderabad and Rangareddy districts.

After the increase in the liquor prices, the sales were decreased but from the 8th to17th of this month, the revenue was recorded at Rs 315 crore in the three districts of Greater Hyderabad. Besides all these, the revenue to the state increased after the hike in liquor sales.

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