Syndicates jack up liquor prices in Punjab by 20%
Aman Sood
Patiala, April 10
Liquor cartels (syndicates) are back in operation and the prices of liquor have been increased across the state. The liquor will be dearer if it is to be served at marriage palaces or hotels.
According to information the prices of liquor have gone up from April 1, ranging from 10 per cent to 20 per cent while special prices have been fixed for marriage palaces and hotels where the rates are more.
As per information, the prices per case (12 bottles) of Rajdhani from Rs 2,000 (in 2022-23) to Rs 2,500 (in 2023-24), Party Special Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,500, Old Monk Rs 3,300 to Rs 3,800, Royal Stag Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000, R Barrel Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000, Oakenglow Rs 5,500 to Rs 6,500, Blender’s Pride Rs 6,500 to Rs 7,500, Antiquity Rs 8,000 to Rs 9,000, VAT-69 Rs 9,500 to Rs 10,500, Black Dog/Teacher’s Rs 11,000 to Rs 13,000, 100 Pipers Rs 9,000 to Rs 12,000, etc. Even beer prices have been increased by Rs 10 to Rs 20 per bottle.
Popular brands like Blender’s Pride, which is available at liquor vend for Rs 7,500 per case, is sold for Rs 8,800 at public functions. The syndicate has further fixed the rate of Antiquity at Rs 10,500 for marriage palaces and hotels allegedly “in connivance” with local excise officials.
“The rates are up by 15 per cent more for functions and only liquor brought from the district syndicate is allowed to be served,” said a liquor contractor.
Earning hefty profits, these syndicates operate in all major cities of the state, “charging exorbitant for liquor” meant for bulk consumption at hotels, resorts and marriage palaces. “What is worrying is that the upward prices of liquor will only promote spurious liquor as it is cheaper,” said a liquor trader.
Information revealed that the syndicates in connivance with the police and excise officials raided marriage palaces, held illegal nakas and did not allow liquor to be served at any function, if it is not bought from the nearest vend controlled by them. Such syndicates are now allegedly operating in Patiala, Bathinda, Sangrur, Mohali, Amritsar, Khanna, Jalandhar, Ferozepur and Ludhiana.
Minister for Excise Harpal Cheema said he would immediately issue directions so that such cartels stop fleecing liquor buyers. “We will not tolerate this and any sort of illegal increase in rates of liquor and also for functions will not be allowed,” he stated, warning of “strict action” against excise officials promoting such syndicates.
Last week, the government had said the state’s excise revenue increased by more than 41 per cent in 2022-23.
About syndicate
Cartels are usually known as syndicate in local language wherein a majority of the liquor vend owners in the district get together and under a single banner sell liquor
Have no option
The excise cess and charges have been increased leaving us with no option than to increase the rates to meet expenditures. The department has levied a special duty of Rs 180 per case and investments have increased by over 30 per cent this fiscal. Therefore, the liquor contractors have formed syndicates. Syndicate members
