Karnataka govt plans to hike liquor prices yet again, targets Rs 40,000 crore revenue

BENGALURU: Coming close on the heels of the hike in prices of commodities and transport services, the Excise Department has proposed yet another hike in prices of beer and other hard liquor.

A notification says the duty will be increased from the present 195 per cent to 205 per cent and a week’s time has been given to submit objections. Prices of hard liquor like brandy, whiskey, rum and gin is also expected to go up by Rs 10-15 while beer prices are expected to rise by Rs 10-20.

The department plans to sharply raise the prices of beer with higher alcohol strength. However, premium and luxury brands of liquor will not see any price change.

This is the third time alcohol prices will be revised in the two years of the Congress government which is targeting Rs 40,000 crore revenue from the Excise Department. This comes on the back of rise in prices of diesel, milk, power, water, BMTC and Namma Metro fares.