Archive · 31 Aug 2026
HNGIL Threatens Insolvency Action Against Debt-Laden Bira 91 Maker
Hindusthan National Glass and Industries made special bottles for B9 Beverages, the company behind Bira 91 beer.
HNGIL says B9 did not collect the bottles or pay all the money owed.
More than 51 lakh bottles are being stored at three HNGIL locations.
The bottles have Bira 91 branding and special designs, so they may not be useful to other companies.
HNGIL is seeking ₹11.77 crore, including the bottle price, storage charges and interest.
It has sent a formal notice under India’s insolvency law.
B9 Beverages has 10 days to pay or explain that a dispute already existed.
If the matter is not resolved, HNGIL may ask the NCLT to begin an insolvency process.
Hindusthan National Glass and Industries has issued B9 Beverages a Section 8 notice seeking ₹11.77 crore in alleged unpaid dues.
The claim concerns more than 51 lakh customised 650 ml amber bottles made against three purchase orders but allegedly not collected.
The Bira 91-branded bottles are stored in Haryana, Puducherry and West Bengal and may not be readily saleable to other buyers.
B9 Beverages has 10 days to pay or record a pre-existing dispute before HNGIL can seek insolvency proceedings through the NCLT.
B9 Beverages has reportedly been out of production since September 2025 and carries estimated debt of about ₹1,000 crore.
- Who
- Hindusthan National Glass and Industries Ltd (HNGIL) and B9 Beverages Ltd, the company behind the Bira 91 beer brand.
- What
- HNGIL has issued a Section 8 default notice seeking ₹11.77 crore and may pursue corporate insolvency proceedings against B9 Beverages.
- When
- The notice was reported on August 30, 2026; HNGIL had previously sent a legal notice on May 6, 2026, and B9 has 10 days after receiving the demand notice to respond.
- Where
- The bottles are stored at HNGIL facilities in Bahadurgarh, Haryana; Puducherry; and Rishra, West Bengal. Any insolvency application would be made to the National Company Law Tribunal.
- Why
- HNGIL alleges that B9 failed to pay for and collect customised bottles, causing storage expenses, blocked working capital and tied-up production capacity.
HNGIL’s Allegations
B9 Beverages’ Reported Position
Payment default
HNGIL’s Allegations
HNGIL alleges that B9 failed to pay for bottles manufactured against confirmed purchase orders and is demanding ₹11.77 crore.
B9 Beverages’ Reported Position
The articles do not report a substantive response from B9 Beverages; the company has 10 days to pay or record evidence of a pre-existing dispute.
Uncollected bottles
HNGIL’s Allegations
HNGIL says B9 did not lift more than 51 lakh customised bottles, leaving it with storage costs, blocked working capital and tied-up capacity.
B9 Beverages’ Reported Position
B9 has not publicly explained in the articles why the bottles were not collected or whether it disputes HNGIL’s account.
Potential insolvency proceedings
HNGIL’s Allegations
HNGIL says it may approach the NCLT under Section 9 if the debt is not paid or a qualifying pre-existing dispute is shown.
B9 Beverages’ Reported Position
B9’s reported restructuring and proposed recapitalisation are intended to address statutory liabilities, employee dues and vendor payments before operations resume.
- Creditor
- Hindusthan National Glass and Industries Ltd (HNGIL)
- Debtor
- B9 Beverages Ltd, which sells beer under the Bira 91 brand
- Claimed amount
- ₹11.77 crore, comprising ₹7.03 crore for manufactured bottles, ₹1.12 crore in storage charges, contractual interest and adjustments
- Bottle stock
- More than 51 lakh customised 650 ml amber glass bottles
- Purchase orders
- Three orders placed by B9 Beverages in June and September 2024
- Response deadline
- Ten days from receipt of the Section 8 demand notice
- B9 operating status
- Reportedly out of production since September 2025, with estimated debt of about ₹1,000 crore
Sources
HNGIL issues default notice to Bira 91, plans to move NCLT
HNGIL seeks insolvency proceedings against Bira 91 maker over payment default
Bira 91 beer maker in more trouble? HNGIL slaps B9 Beverages with ₹11.77 crore default notice, plans to move NCLT