The revised liquor prices in the state take effect today, with an increase ranging from Rs 10 to Rs 50 across various brands. BEVCO has released a new price list, which includes changes for 341 brands from 62 companies. Liquor priced under Rs 999 will see a Rs 20 hike, while those above Rs 1,000 will increase by Rs 40. Additionally, the cost of Indian-made foreign liquor, beer, and wine has been raised. For example, the price of Jawan Rum has gone up from Rs 640 to Rs 650, and beer prices have increased by up to Rs 20. Premium brandies have seen a significant rise of Rs 130.
Interestingly, there is a reduction in the prices of 107 brands from 45 companies. This price revision comes 15 months after the last hike. The government attributes the increase to rising ethanol prices, which have inflated production costs. BEVCO adjusted the prices in response to the liquor companies’ demands, citing justified cost pressures.
The government has granted permission for the Palakkad Brewery to produce ethanol locally. Officials argue that once ethanol production begins there, it may help stabilize or reduce liquor prices in the state. For now, the rate contract between BEVCO and liquor companies remains the basis for price determination. The impact of the price hike is likely to be felt by consumers, with varying degrees depending on their preferred brands and categories. While the government justifies the increase as a necessary step to balance rising production costs, it remains to be seen how this will affect overall sales and consumption patterns. The introduction of ethanol production at the Palakkad Brewery could offer some relief in the future, potentially reducing the dependency on external sources and stabilizing prices. However, for now, consumers will have to adapt to the revised rates as BEVCO continues to navigate the challenges of the liquor market.
