Beer lovers have received some bad news today. If you drink beer, you will now have to pay 15% more for every bottle or can. Yes, beer prices have been increased by 15%, and the new rates have been in effect since February 11. Not only that, but the government has also ordered that even old stock with the previous MRP will now be sold at the new rates. However, this price hike is not nationwide—it applies only to certain states. So, if you are a beer lover then ready to pay a little more amount for it.
Telangana Increases Beer Prices by 15%
Beer prices have risen by 15% in Telangana. This price hike follows a supply disruption by United Breweries, which had stopped supplying beer to Telangana Beverages Corporation Limited (TGBCL) last month.
The company cited two key reasons for this decision. First, TGBCL had not updated the base price of beer since the 2019-20 financial year, despite rising costs. Second, the corporation had not cleared pending payments for previous beer supplies. These factors led United Breweries to halt its supply, causing a shortage in the state.
In response, the Telangana government revised beer prices, increasing costs for consumers. With this hike, beer lovers in the state will have to pay more. The price change also highlights ongoing tensions between liquor manufacturers and government agencies over pricing and payments, which can significantly impact both businesses and consumers.
United Breweries: India’s Leading Beer Brand
United Breweries, the maker of the popular Kingfisher beer, is India’s largest beer company, holding a dominant 70% share of the market. The company sells nearly 6 crore boxes annually, with each box containing 12 bottles.
In Telangana, the state government is responsible for purchasing liquor from manufacturers and supplying it to retail shops. According to the Brewers Association of India, the price of a 12-bottle beer box in Telangana is around ₹300, whereas in Maharashtra, it costs approximately ₹500. However, due to state taxes and retailer margins, the final price paid by consumers is usually 5-6 times higher than the base price.
With the recent 15% price hike in Telangana, beer lovers will now have to spend more. The increase in prices comes at a time when liquor companies have been demanding a revision in beer prices. The growing difference in pricing across states highlights how taxation policies and government regulations significantly impact the liquor industry and its consumers.
