Dasara drives liquor sales to new high in Telangana

HYDERABAD: Liquor sales in Telangana have scaled new heights rather highs. Since the time Dasara holidays began on September 26, sales of various liquor brands have gone north.
On September 27, liquor worth Rs 174 crore was sold. And by September 30, the sales touched a peak of Rs 313 crore. Industry sources said this could be one of the highest recorded sale on a single day, indicating the festive fervour.The average daily liquor income hovers between Rs 70-80 crore on regular days. On September 28, the sales totalled Rs 117 crore and zoomed to Rs 186 crore the next day. The excise department is hoping to rake in Rs 40,000 crore this fiscal thanks to Dasara sale. Sources said liquor shops took 3.68 lakh cases of liquor and beer from the depots on September 30, which further confirms the peak demand on that day.

Sources said the overall liquor sales in September were to the tune of Rs 2,736 crore, with festive sales accounting for the lion's share. Sources said that depots were asked to supply more liquor brands because the unsual high demand. "While overall sales have increased, the festive days ensured sales of different liquor brands," sources said.
The government gets 50% of the excise duty on MRP on beer, while the excise duty on other liquor ranges between 80-85%. With the rise in sales in September, the excise department is hoping to rake in Rs 40,000 crore revenue this fiscal year. It is expected that the sales will exceed Rs 35,000 crore by December.
Meanwhile, the state government has asked distilleries to submit the prices of raw materials used in the manufacture and distribution of liquor. "There will be a review of these items soon. The distilleries have been requesting for a price increase for some time," sources said. Distilleries owners said the prices of extra neutral alcohol used in liquor making have gone up steeply.