THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Sounds strange. But it is true, claims the representatives of Kerala Bottlers Federation (KBF)and Association of Distillers, Brewers and Vintners of India (ADBVI). Despite having a very high consumption rate, Kerala gives the least profit to liquor manufacturers. The reason: There hasn’t been any revision of liquor prices by the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) during the last six years."The situation has reached an alarming stage that there is no way forward. Companies are incurring losses as the input cost is more than the selling price,’’ said Vijayakumar, president of KBF. He said that the cost of extra neutral alcohol had gone up from Rs 32/litre a few weeks ago to Rs 48/litre now. “To add to our woes is the hike in petrol-diesel prices,’’ he said.The representatives of distilleries have held the 7.75% discount levied by the Bevco as a major reason for their losses."As the state-run Bevco is the exclusive distributor of liquor in Kerala, they demand a discount in price. Moreover, the payment is made only after 45 days. In neighbouring Tamil Nadu, payment is made on the second day if we give a discount,’’ said M P Purushothaman, CMD of Empees Distilleries.Led by ADBVI director-general Sushil Haksar, representatives of distilleries met Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Friday and aired their woes. They told the CM that if the government didn’t initiate steps to solve the crisis faced by the industry, they would be forced to discontinue supply to Bevco.Vijayakumar and Purushothaman said that the manufacturers get only Rs 13 when Rs 100 was spent by a consumer at a Bevco outlet. “The remaining amount is accounted as various taxes and dealers’ commission,’’ they said.
Comments
0 comment