Now Reading: Telangana hikes prices of 352 foreign liquor brands by up to 20%
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Telangana hikes prices of 352 foreign liquor brands by up to 20%
The Telangana government has increased prices of 352 foreign liquor brands, including popular Scotch whiskies such as Johnnie Walker and Chivas Regal, with some brands seeing a hike of at least 20 per cent. The price revision, ordered by the State Excise and Prohibition Department, took immediate effect on Wednesday, 14 October.
The move aims to rake in more revenue from liquor sales. Despite a recent UK-India free trade agreement that reduced duty on scotch whisky, prices of foreign liquor brands remain high in the state.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The price hike targets imported and foreign-brand liquor, not the local or Indian-made foreign liquor segment that forms the bulk of consumption in Telangana. The state government is prioritising revenue over passing on FTA benefits to consumers. The Excise Department order names no expiry date or review period, leaving the new rates in force indefinitely. Drinkers of premium Scotch and other imported spirits will bear the full impact, while the state treasury gains from a captive market.
Source: thehansindia.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
