TRS leaders are blaming the Center for recently slashing the prices of petrol, diesel as well as cooking gas. Critics say the move is self-inflicted as an eye-opening measure. However, the ruling party leaders, who talk about the plight of the common man with petrol and diesel prices, have been criticized for not talking about the liquor prices hiked by the Telangana state government. Compared to other states, Telangana is in the top place in terms of liquor rates. The government does not seem to care if officials say that raising prices by considering liquor as a major source of revenue will reduce sales.
Who raised the actual prices rather than the reduction in petrol and diesel prices? TRS leaders are questioning why they are not thinking about how much alcohol prices have risen in the past. In Telangana, a liter of petrol is currently priced at Rs 109.64 paise and diesel at Rs 97.80 paise. In terms of liquor rates, the OC full bottle is Rs 640, KF beers Rs 150, and the Royal Challenge full bottle Rs 1,200. Compared to the past, the Telangana state government has increased the price of liquor bottles ranging from Rs 20 to Rs 300. Liquor rates vary by hundreds of rupees compared to petrol and diesel rates. Previously, the OC full bottle was Rs 580 and the Royal Challenge full bottle was Rs 960. But, it has now quadrupled in size. Prices in other states are very low compared to Telangana.
The state government is levying taxes on liquor under various names. Eighty-five percent tax on cheap liquor brands on liquor bottles and 70 percent tax on premium brands go directly to the state exchequer. TRS leaders, who have been criticizing the Center for raising petrol and diesel prices, have been asked how they can justify raising liquor rates higher than other states.
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Do TRS leaders have the right to say that petrol and diesel prices are a burden on the common man? Says the consumers of alcohol in the state. It is suggested to talk about petrol, diesel and cooking gas prices after reducing pre-liquor prices. Liquor consumers are opposed to the government’s decision not to reduce the prices, despite the fact that the government is aware that illegal liquor is coming into Telangana due to the huge increase in liquor rates. On the whole, many are criticizing the TRS ‘attitude of talking about fighting inflation, and reducing the prices of daily goods while increasing the prices of alcohol at the same time.
