Beer price row: Telangana Minister Jupally Krishna Rao admits Rs 658.95 cr dues to UB Group

Accuses UB of halting supplies, pressuring State government to approve 33.1% price hike, citing rising input costs

Hyderabad: Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao admitted that the Telangana government owes Rs 658.95 crore to United Breweries (UB) Limited, a leading beer supplier.

He accused UB of halting supplies and pressuring the government to approve a 33.1 per cent price hike, citing rising input costs.

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Speaking to the media on Wednesday, the Minister clarified that between December 2023 and January 2025, Rs 1,130.99 crore in dues were cleared. The remaining amount will be settled as per existing arrangements.

However, he criticised UB’s tactics, stating the issue is under examination of a committee led by a retired High Court judge.

“UB is trying to burden consumers with prices soaring to Rs 200-220 per bottle from the current Rs 150. We won’t succumb to such pressure,” he said.

He said beer price in Telangana is lesser compared to Rs 180 in Andhra Pradesh and Rs 190 in Karnataka. With 14 lakh beer cases in stock, Rao assured no immediate supply crisis while reaffirming the government’s stance against price hikes.