UBL Pressure to Hike Beer Prices: Revanth Reddy’s Key Remarks

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy made significant remarks on Saturday regarding the alleged pressure from United Breweries Limited (UBL) to increase beer prices by 33.1%. Addressing excise department officials during a meeting, he stated that he had been informed about UBL’s efforts to push for a price hike.

Revanth Reddy emphasized that his government would not bow to corporate pressures. He directed officials to review beer prices in other states before taking any decision. Furthermore, he instructed that any decision regarding price hikes must be based solely on the report submitted by a committee headed by a retired judge.

The Chief Minister also highlighted that the excise department had been receiving timely payments for the past year. He mentioned that pending dues from the previous BRS government were being cleared in phases.

Revanth Reddy stressed the need to maintain transparency in the selection process of liquor supply companies. He urged officials to implement a simplified commercial policy to facilitate the supply of new brands. Additionally, he suggested strict adherence to regulations while permitting new companies to enter the state market.

The Chief Minister instructed the excise department to issue a notification for inviting applications from new companies and provide a one-month window to submit brand proposals.