Supply Beer to Odisha at Last Year’s Price: High Court

Cuttack, May 14: In a significant move, Orissa High Court has allowed beer manufacturing companies to supply to Odisha State Beverages Corporation (OSBC) at last year’s price. There has been stand-off between beer manufacturing companies and state government over the offer price – the price at which the companies supply beer to OSBC.

As per the new Excise Policy, the state government asked the companies to supply beer to OSBC at a 20 per cent less of the price – offer price. Five major beer companies in Odisha have challenged the policy at High Court and refused to sign agreement with state government over supplying beer at 20 per cent as offer price.

High Court hearing the plea asked for a meeting between Price Fixation Committee of Odisha government and beer manufacturing companies to end the stand-off over the offer price. Excise Minister Damodar Rout had hinted to revise the offer price from 20 per cent to 10 per cent. However, the revision of offer price is now awaiting approval from the Chief Minister.