by HEATHERLYN EVANSON

THE RISING COST OF FUEL is set to affect the pockets of beer and stout drinkers and fizzy drink enthusiasts across the island.

From today, the wholesale cost of Banks Beer, Banks Draft, Guinness, Twist and 500 ml PET drinks will increase at shops and supermarkets.

The cost of Banks Malt and Plus, however, remain unchanged.

"The recent increases in fuel prices have severe cost implications for products manufactured within the Banks Holdings Group," Public Relations Manager with Banks Breweries Sophia Cambridge told the DAILY NATION yesterday.

Cambridge, who described the increases as "marginal", said the higher cost of industrial diesel was set to add $4.5 million to the company's manufacturing bill.

"In an effort to minimise the total impact of this, plus other increases in packaging and distribution, we have instituted a small price adjustment and also made some revisions to the various price tiers," she said.

The wholesale price of a case of Banks Beer moves to $39.95, while 96 or more cases will cost $37.66. The previous wholesale price was $38.50.

The recommended retail price before deposit is $1.99 per bottle.

Guinness will cost $49.97 a case, up from $48, while 96 or more cases will cost $47.04.

The recommended retail, before deposit, is $2.60 per bottle.

Twist moves to $32.20 per case and 96 or more cases will cost $29.52 with a recommended retail price of $1.68 per bottle.

In addition, a case of 500ml PET drinks will cost $30.27, up from $28. 75, and 96 or more cases will now cost $27.97. The recommended retail price is $1.58 per bottle.

Banks Draught cylinders now cost $109.

A proprietor of one of the island's leading shops said the increases were so minimal the retail chain was thinking of not passing them on to the consumer.