Liquor prices to rise from next month in West Bengal

By Team Newsable | First Published Oct 20, 2020, 10:56 AM IST

The prices of India-made foreign liquor (IMFL), imported liquors and other hard liquors are likely to go up further from November 1. According to sources, the price hike from the current level could be in the range of 10%-20% depending on the brand. The increase will translate into a steep rise of 40%-50% from the pre-COVID level.

The prices of liquor are going to increase after Durga puja. This is indicated by the proposal made by the IMFL (India-made foreign liquor) on behalf of the state government.

From November 1, the prices of India-made foreign liquor (IMFL), imported liquors and other hard liquors are likely to go up further. According to sources, the price hike from the current level could be in the range of 10%-20% depending on the brand. The increase will translate into a steep rise of 40%-50% from the pre-COVID level.

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The state government of West Bengal had imposed 30% COVID tax on all liquor, including beer, from April 7. This had led to a 35%-40% drop in IMFL demand and over 85% fall in beer demand. In mid-August, the state excise department had decided to abolish the COVID tax and in lieu decided to introduce a slab-based ad-valorem structure. The new tax structure was proposed to be based on ex-distillery price.

The new structure was supposed to be implemented from September but it was kept on hold following apprehension of a further price hike by liquor companies and liquor bodies.

Also read: Experts wary of COVID-19 spike in 15 West Bengal districts during Durga puja

The Indian alcoholic beverage industry had already raised an alarm over the new taxation structure for sale of liquor in Bengal and urged CM Mamata Banerjee not to make any changes in the tax structure in the current fiscal.

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