Cheers or Tears? Govt’s Big Booze Hike Shakes Up Premium Spirits Market

The government on Wednesday declared a substantial hike in premium liquor brand prices for the 2025-26 fiscal year, which created waves in the industry and among consumers alike. The updated Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs), which state excise departments issued, reveal increases of ₹15 to ₹500 across several brands. For example, in Rajasthan, widely popular beers such as Kingfisher Premium currently sell at ₹165, whereas premium spirits such as Blenders Pride and Black Dog cost ₹1,165 and ₹2,555 respectively.

 

Likewise, in Himachal Pradesh, the cost of foreign liquor has gone up by as much as ₹200 per bottle over the previous year, with brands such as Black Dog and 100 Pipers currently selling at ₹1,750 and ₹1,650 respectively. Government officials said the new rates take effect from today and all licensed vendors will have to fall in line. The decision follows the government's desire to increase excise collections and equalize profit margins, although vendors insist that their own margins have narrowed even after the price increase.

 

Customers are asked to refer to official rate lists pinned up at liquor outlets so that they don't get ripped off.

 

Source: Times of India, New Indian Express, Rights of Employees