Duty hike: Beer, IMFL start getting new price labels

Kolkata: India made foreign liquor (IMFL) and beer started getting new price labels on Friday as per last month’s circular issued by the state excise department. However, all beer and IMFL brands would be available at the old prices till the old stock exists. Leading retailers and distributors said most brands should be available in off shops at old prices for at least another week.

“Most of us have gathered adequate stocks. For fast-moving brands it would continue for 6-7 days while for the slow-moving ones it may continue for a month or even the pujas,” said a leading retailer. There, however, would be no price rise for bottled in origin (BIO) liquor like medium- to high-end scoth whiskies and other imported liquors. Incidentally, the upward revision of price in Bengal is being done after almost two years. Last price rise was effective from Sept 15, 2022. There has been a 7-8% rise in liquor prices that time.However, the last price rise was because of revision in prices by producers. This time it is due to imposition of additional excise duty. According to sources, beer price may go up by Rs 20 to Rs 40. “The maximum rise in beer price would be Rs 40,” said a source. For IMFL, the rise would be from Rs 20 to Rs 50 per 750 ml bottle. For 375 ml, the price rise would range from Rs 10 to Rs 20. For regular segment (below Rs 900) the price rise would be Rs 20 for 750 ml. However, for premium IMFL ranging from Rs 900 to Rs 1,800, the rise would be Rs 40-50 per bottle (750 ml).(With inputs from Sujay Khanra)

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