Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 8 (IANS) Liquor shops in Kerala are well-stocked for the ongoing Onam season and alcohol sales are expected to touch Rs.2 billion (Rs.200 crore) during the 10-day festival.The Kerala State Beverages Corporation (KSBC), the sole wholesalers of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and beer in the state, said there has already been an increase in liquor sales since Sunday.

“Last season in 2007, the 10-day Onam sales were Rs.144.48 crore (over Rs.1.4 billion), with the biggest sale coming on the day before Thiru Onam of Rs.17.93 crore. This season, the first day sale in the 10-day Onam season that began Sunday has seen a 25 percent increase as compared to the first day sale last year,” a KSBC official told IANS on condition of anonymity.

While the 10-day festival began in the state Tuesday, the KSBC estimates their sales differently. For the KSBC, the 10-day period comprises five days prior to Onam, three days during the Onam and two days after Onam. This year Thiru Onam falls Sep 12 (Friday).

The KSBC in the last fiscal saw a record high sale of both IMFL and beer, touching Rs.36.67 billion, up from Rs.31.43 billion during 2006-07.