The Tamil Nadu government is contemplating raising the retail prices of liquor and beer sold through state-run Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) outlets. An official announcement regarding the potential price increase is expected within the next two days. If approved, the new rates could take effect as early as next week.
TASMAC, the sole retailer of alcoholic beverages in the state, currently operates 4,048 liquor outlets, contributing significantly to the state’s revenue. These outlets collectively generate an average daily income of around Rs 150 crore from the sale of various types of alcohol, including Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), beer, wine, and imported liquor.
The proposed revision would likely result in price hikes ranging from Rs 10 to Rs 50 per bottle for regular and mid-range liquor brands as well as beer, depending on the category. Notably, popular IMFL brands such as whisky, brandy, rum, and vodka are expected to be affected by the potential price adjustments.
Discussions regarding the price revision took place during a recent TASMAC Management Board meeting. However, the final decision on the extent of the increase is still pending. A high-level meeting is scheduled to occur soon to make a conclusive determination, following which an official announcement is anticipated.
If the price revision is sanctioned, it will mark the first adjustment in liquor prices in Tamil Nadu since February 1, 2024. Manufacturers and beer producers have been advocating for a retail price increase due to the surcharge imposed by the state on each carton of IMFL and beer supplied to TASMAC. The rise in production and distribution costs, coupled with the surcharge, has led to financial strains for these entities, prompting the call for higher retail prices to offset the additional expenses.
