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The importers and the hotel industry are still in a
state of shock. No one can believe that the government
can be so autocratic that it refuses to see the reason.
Maharashtra customer surely would be cursing the state
government. The 150% duty imposed by the Maharashtra
government on July 10, on top of the increased import
duty form 100% to 150% does not make any sense to anyone.
The bootleggers must be in a state of celebration and
jubilation.
Not for long though, hopefully. As reported by some
importers who would not like to be quoted for a desire
to stay afloat, the excise department has seen reason
in their plea and the excise commissioner Mr. R. Jha
is considering very sympathetically to bring the excise
duties to a more reasonable, 50% higher-than-before
excise duty, of Rs.300 bulk liter (translating into
€ 5 per regular bottle, irrespective of the value).
Mr. Jha has promised to discuss the matter with the
government, according to reports received from Mumbai.
One hopes that the impasse would not continue for long.
The sales are suffering, the consumer is suffering but
the government is also losing out on the revenue.
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