Liquor manufactures ease down, to resume supply of Indian-made foreign liquor

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Manufacturers have resumed supply of Indian-made foreign liquor, including popular brands. On June 7, the companies purchased a permit to supply six lakh cases of liquor from Bevco. The supply was cut off in protest of the government's failure to consider demands, including an increase in prices. Bevco also recommended a 10 percent price increase. The companies have now eased down after the government decided not to give in to the austerity measures.

Manufacturers claim that the cost of production has risen significantly as the price of spirits has risen sharply due to higher demand for industrial purposes. The spirit comes mainly from Punjab, Haryana and Karnataka

Manufacturers' requirements

The price paid by Bevco should be increased. The price was revised four years ago

The requirement that companies should pay excise duty must be withdrawn. The duty is 23.75 per cent of the landing price of each case delivered to Bevco. The new requirement is that the companies themselves must pay for the liquor when it is delivered.

The companies say it is practically impossible to comply with Bevco's recommendation of a QR code instead of a hologram on liquor bottles, and that it should be tested first on government - produced jawan liquor.

Spirit price

Price of one litre of ENA (Spirit) six months ago - Rs 42 to 48

70 to 74- Current price of a litre of spirit