Bengaluru, 1 Feb

For the third time in less than seven months, the government has increased prices of beer. This comes just 15 days before the State budget. The State Excise Department ordered the hike on Thursday.

The price of a bottle of beer will be up by Rs 5. The State government increased the additional excise duty on beer from 185 per cent to 195 per cent.

Speaking about the hike the Joint Director of the Excise Department, KS Shivayya said, “The increase is to increase the government exchequer. We had given the proposal to increase by 20 per cent. Last time they increased 10 per cent and this time 10 per cent. We are trying to match the prices with Indian Made Liquor.”

G Raju, a guzzler, said, “The prices are increasing again and again, if this continues, we will not vote for Congress next time.”

Another buyer, referring to the Shakti scheme said, “Why should I pay for some woman to travel freely?There should be a cap or regulations on increasing the price. Congress is looting the drinkers.” 

The beer sale is expected to go up generally in summer and hence the government has decided to increase beer prices.