Hyderabad: A technical glitch in the computerised billing system at government liquor depots has severely disrupted liquor supplies across Telangana, leaving most shops with dwindling stocks. Shop dealers said that the last supply to their outlets was on Sunday.
The shortage has led to display of 'no stock' boards at several shops. The dealers expressed worries that the situation could deteriorate further if supplies were not restored quickly. Premium whisky and scotch brands have already sold out, and other high-demand brands are close to depletion. Additionally, an ongoing beer shortage has intensified the impact on dealers.
Meanwhile, D. Venkateshwar Rao, president of the Telangana Wine Dealers Association, explained that this was not only impacting shop owners but even the government in terms of fall in revenues.
"The state typically delivers liquor stocks worth around Rs 100 crore every day to dealers. Three days without deliveries have cost the government approximately Rs 300 crore in lost revenue," said Rao.
Most shops, which normally keep a buffer stock that can last for up to three days, are now running empty. Dealers highlighted that the shortage of beer has persisted since December. Beer manufacturers, they claim, are withholding supplies due to unpaid government arears.
"Beer shortages during summer are common, but it’s unusual to see this in winter, which is a non-peak season," added Rao, noting that the shortage of lager and strong beers has particularly impacted sales.
Dealers are calling on the state government to resolve the billing system issue immediately to avoid further losses for both the industry and the state.
