Colombo, Dec.29 (Daily Mirror) – The price of liquor will increase between Rs. 90 to Rs. 150 due to the 18 percent increase in value-added tax, or VAT, from January 1, liquor companies claimed.

They further say that this is due to the addition of VAT on ethanol, empty liquor bottles, liquor labels, caps and bottles containing manufactured liquor.

Accordingly, the price of a bottle of arrack with a current selling price of Rs. 3,260 may increase by Rs. 90, and the new price will be Rs. 3,350.

However, the excise duty on liquor has been increased on two occasions this year with the aim of government increasing revenue.