Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, May 1: The ongoing heatwave in some districts of Karnataka, coupled with political parties' active election campaigns, has resulted in a 45% rise in beer demand in the capital city.

In the 2022-23 fiscal year, the excise department sold 390.66 lac boxes of beer, which added an extra revenue of Rs 800 crore to the state treasury. As the tax on beer is relatively lower in Karnataka compared to other states, it has contributed to higher demand for beer.

The increasing demand in the past few days has led to a shortage of supply. When bar owners requested beer worth Rs 10 lakh, the excise department could only supply beer worth Rs two lakh. Moreover, the price per bottle of beer has increased by Rs 20.

The surge in beer sales is not only due to the rising temperatures but also because multinational companies have begun production and sales in the state, giving consumers more options. Additionally, people from neighboring states are importing beer from Karnataka, contributing to the increase in beer sales.