CARIB Brewery has announced a substantial price increase for several of its popular beverages, including Carib, Stag, and Guinness, in response to the government’s decision to double excise duties on alcoholic drinks as part of the 2026 budget. The new pricing, effective immediately, sees Carib, Stag, and Pilsner rise to $13 per bottle, up from $10-$11 previously. Stouts like Royal Extra Stout now retail at $15, while Guinness and Heineken have both increased to $22 per bottle. Non-alcoholic products such as Malta and Shandy have also risen to $10, though prices for Smirnoff Ice, Caribe Hard Cider, Vitamalt, Ginseng-Up, Smalta, Heineken 0.0, and Rockstone Tonic Wine remain unchanged. The price adjustments are directly linked to Legal Notice No 376, which raised the excise duty on alcoholic beverages from $5.14 to $10.28 per litre. This change took immediate effect for locally produced alcohol, including Carib Brewery’s products, as excise duties are payable when goods leave bonded warehouses for sale. Imported products will face similar increases later, pending review by the Solicitor General’s office. In a statement, Carib Brewery described the price adjustments as a ‘responsible and measured response’ to the government’s move, emphasizing efforts to balance economic realities with consumer affordability. The company also pledged to continue investing in its people, brands, and infrastructure while maintaining product quality. The announcement follows reports that Carib temporarily paused deliveries earlier in the week to recalculate costs, with bar owners awaiting new price lists before confirming retail adjustments. Bar Owners Association president Satesh Moonasar noted that the 100% rise in excise duty would likely be passed on to customers, as most bar operators cannot absorb the full increase. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo defended the duty hike during his October 13 budget presentation, stating it was part of a broader effort to raise revenue after years without adjustment, with the impact on individual bottles of beer being minimal.