Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) has announced a price hike in various liquor categories, effective February 1. The state-run liquor giant will increase prices by INR 10 to INR 80, impacting popular choices like beer, brandy, whiskey, and rum.
TASMAC‘s decision means an added expense of INR 10 for a 650 ml beer bottle. For ‘ordinary’ and ‘medium’ range brandy, whiskey, and rum, a 180 ml (quarter) will face a INR 10 increase, while the ‘premium’ range will see a hike of INR 20. The updated schedule suggests that larger quantities of alcoholic beverages will also incur higher prices.
The price surge is attributed to higher sales tax and excise duty, marking the first increase in Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) prices in two years. This move comes as TASMAC introduces exclusive sales of imported liquor brands at elite outlets.
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The ordinary liquor range, constituting 40% of TASMAC sales, will be priced at 130 per quarter bottle, 260 per half bottle, and 520 per full bottle. Meanwhile, the medium range varies between 160 and 640. TASMAC offers a diverse selection, with 43 brands in the ordinary category, 49 in the medium range, and 128 premium brands, alongside 35 beer brands and 13 wine brands.
Consumers in Tamil Nadu will feel the pinch of these price hikes, affecting their budgets and preferences. The decision to raise prices across the board emphasizes TASMAC’s strategy to generate revenue, particularly from higher-end products. This move highlights the potential challenges for consumers in managing their expenses and adjusting their purchasing choices in response to the elevated prices.
TASMAC’s announcement of a liquor price hike in Tamil Nadu from February 1 will impact a wide range of alcoholic beverages. The move, driven by increased sales tax and excise duty, aims to bolster revenue and introduces exclusive sales for imported liquor at select outlets. As consumers brace themselves for the impending changes, the state’s liquor landscape undergoes a significant shift.
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