Liquor companies drag feet on price panel data

Hyderabad: With just a day left before the deadline, only four liquor companies submitted complete data to the state price revision committee, which is examining demands for a hike in liquor prices. Several companies are yet to furnish details, claiming that the committee sought information related to labour and other operational aspects that they say are not directly linked to price revision.

Sources said the committee has extended the deadline from May 28 to May 29 after many manufacturers and suppliers failed to submit the required information in the prescribed format. Companies are reportedly holding urgent internal meetings to decide how to respond to the extensive data requirements imposed by the panel.

The committee is closely scrutinising the production costs cited by liquor firms while seeking a price revision. To verify claims of rising raw material and transportation expenses, manufacturers and suppliers have been asked to submit detailed financial and operational records.

According to sources, the panel has sought around ten categories of documents, including registration details of suppliers and distilleries, the number of manufacturing plants across the country, installed production capacity and current output details.

The committee has also asked companies to provide supporting documents for the cost of Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA), a key raw material used in liquor production, along with invoices for raw material purchases made over the past three years. Details related to the cost of glass bottles, labels and packaging material, including GST components, have also been sought.

In addition, the panel is examining internal operational expenses such as blending charges, electricity bills and water charges. To ensure transparency, companies have been directed to submit audited financial statements for the past three financial years, provisional accounts for the recently concluded fiscal year, and cost and tax audit reports.

The committee has further sought brand-wise certified cost cards for the past six months and annual cost sheets for the last three years. Govt sources said a final decision on any price increase for individual liquor brands will be taken only after a detailed analysis of the information submitted by the companies.