Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, May 22: Beer production in the city unit has been affected due to shortage of water as the MCC has begun water rationing. The beer producing unit is procuring water through tankers.

During summer most of the liquor lovers opt for chilled beer rather than Whisky and Wine. This year the demand for beer rose three folds. But the beer is not produced in the same volume as previous years due to shortage of water.

At present water is supplied to citizens of Mangaluru city only on alternate days. As the rains lashed city last year in March the shortage of water was not felt much. However, this year during the summer, Mangaluru received scanty rainfall leading to severe shortage of water. This has caused beer factories to procure water through tankers.

Though there is a beer production unit in the city, according to the statistics of the excise department, the production has remained quite low. Instead of pint and tins, the beer is produced here only in big bottles of 650 ml. Last year in April 2.53 lac boxes of beer was produced (one box contains 12 bottles). However, this year in April only 2.48 lac boxes of beer has been  produced.

In Mangaluru, only four types of beer are produced. Rest of the beer is being supplied from Mysuru and Bengaluru. The production capacity in the city beer processing unit is about three lac boxes which is being carried out in three shifts.

Bindushree P, district officer, excise department said, “Due to various reasons including election model code of conduct, production of beer has reduced considerably in the city of Mangaluru.”