Mon Jan 27 05:16:26 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Liquor Prices Rise Amidst Opposition Criticism
**Thiruvananthapuram, January 27, 2025** – Liquor prices in Kerala have increased by ₹10 to ₹50 per 750ml bottle, effective Monday. The price hike follows requests from distilleries citing increased raw material costs, primarily molasses. While the state government refused to increase the procurement price, it eliminated a 5% turnover tax on domestically produced liquor. However, this was offset by a 4% increase in sales tax and a 1% hike in the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco)’s warehouse margin.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from the Leader of the Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, who condemned the price hike as an unfair burden on families already struggling with the rising cost of living. He argued that the government’s decision to forgo the turnover tax, resulting in an estimated annual loss of ₹150 crore, unduly favors the liquor lobby. He further accused the government of allowing a major liquor company to establish operations in Palakkad district without adequately considering environmental concerns.
Kerala already boasts one of India’s highest per capita liquor consumption rates. The opposition claims that the price hike, despite its purported aim to curb consumption, will ultimately prove ineffective.
First Piper 