In a noteworthy decision, the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has approved an increase in the maximum retail price (MRP) of all sizes of India-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and foreign liquor. However, this price hike will not affect lower-priced alcoholic beverages, specifically 180 ml bottles priced at ₹99, nor beer, wine, and ready-to-drink (RTD) products.
Information and Public Relations Minister K Parthasarathy confirmed this development to the media. He clarified that the MRP increase will only apply to IMFL and foreign liquor. The Cabinet also approved an approximate 1% increase in retailer margins for various alcoholic beverages, including 180 ml IMFL bottles, beer, wine, and RTD products.
This move by the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet follows a series of decisions aimed at restructuring the state’s liquor policies and taxations. The exact reasons behind this latest decision have not been explicitly stated by the government authorities. However, it is expected that these changes will impact the state’s alcohol industry as well as consumers of these products.
The approval comes amidst ongoing discussions and debates about excise duties and taxes on liquor in India. The Andhra Pradesh Logistics Fund, an Alternative Investment Fund, has been instrumental in facilitating these discussions and implementing changes in the state’s alcohol policies. The future implications of this decision are yet to be seen, as further developments in this matter are likely to unfold in the coming months.
