Overview
- The Brewers Association of India, which on Tuesday requested 12–15% retail price hikes, said higher costs and tight inputs could curb supplies in the coming weeks.
- Because states set alcohol prices, brewers plan to prioritise Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa if approvals come through, and warned states that refuse hikes could face thinner supplies and lower excise take.
- Gas shortages have forced glass makers to cut output, with one Firozabad plant trimming production by 40% and lifting prices by about 17–18% as bottle rates jump near 20%.
- Paper cartons have nearly doubled in price, plastics rose 20–25% and aluminium can supplies face delays, a squeeze that has already pushed some bottled water prices up about 11%.
- India sources roughly 40% of its natural gas from Qatar, so conflict and shipping snarls in West Asia quickly hit glass furnaces and can lines that beer and soft drink makers rely on.