Getting tipsy over price of alcoholic beverages

JOHOR BARU: Apart from essential items such as chicken, eggs and cooking oil, the price of alcoholic beverages has been steadily increasing as well.

With issues like inflation, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and logistic costs affecting the price of raw materials, the price increase of such drinks is inevitable, said Johor State Liquor Merchants’ Association president Siau Fook Leong.

According to him, the market price of a can of beer has increased roughly by 90sen following price adjustments that came into effect on July 1.

In addition, the price of liquor had also been creeping up since the beginning of the year, he said.

“Retailers with old beer stocks could still be selling the items following the old pricing, but once the new stocks arrive, consumers will have to pay extra.

“Liquor such as whiskey which costs around RM280 per bottle would go up to RM300 per bottle after next year’s Chinese New Year.

“The liquor stocks are also limited these days, and suppliers are blaming the global situation for the lack of supply,” he told The Star.

He added that the price of Chinese liquor, which was less sought after, had risen slightly, by about 5%.

Siau, who is also the Kluang Liquor Merchants’ Association chairman, believed the rise in alcohol prices would only have a short-term effect on the market.

“With entertainment outlets and social gatherings allowed, alcoholic beverages will continue to be in demand,” he said, adding the industry was not too worried about it.