Come this Dussehra, Beer may burn holes in the pockets of the drinkers in both the Telugu States. The Manufactures of beer in both the states are threatening to stop supplies to both the states if their demand of price hike is not met with. Beer is cheapest in the United AP costing Rs 235 per case (strong beer) while it costs Rs 465 in Karnataka, Rs 335 in Tamil Nadu and Rs 325 in Kerala. The manufactures are demanding a hike of Rs 61.
The state bifurcation also had its impact on the beer manufacturers. In residuary AP, there is only one distillery unit which is not being able to meet the demand of the state which is 12 lakh cases per month. So, stocks are imported from Telangana with an additional cost of Rs 41 per case as import duty. The price agreement between manufacturers and the government expired in June. But both the state governments are buying time for settling down and deciding on the prices. But the Association of Liquor and Beer Suppliers (ALBS) decided to stop the supplies from October first week if the prices are not revised.
