Liquor makers urge Telangana govt to clear ₹3,151 crore dues
HYDERABAD: The alcoholic beverage industry has appealed to the Telangana government to settle pending dues of ₹3,151 crore owed by the Telangana State Beverages Corporation (TSBCL).
In a joint statement issued on October 9, the Brewers Association of India, Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies, and International Spirits and Wines Association of India said their member firms have been awaiting payment for liquor supplies to the state-run corporation.
The associations urged the government to utilise revenue from the ongoing retail liquor licence allocation process to clear the arrears. They estimated that the exercise could generate around ₹3,000 crore, which could substantially offset the dues.
Dues pending for over a year
Of the total ₹3,151 crore, around ₹2,300 crore has remained unpaid for over a year, the statement said. The groups warned that the mounting backlog was affecting the companies’ working capital and liquidity, hampering regular operations and tax compliance.
Call for excise duty reduction
To ease the financial strain, the brewers also requested a temporary reduction in excise duty from 30% to 1%, saying it would help improve cash flow and ensure smoother industry functioning.