Liquor prices increase: With the implementation of the new excise policy, the prices of Indian, foreign liquor, and beer are expected to rise in Chhattisgarh. This decision, which will come into effect in April 2026, will impact everyone from ordinary consumers to merchants.
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Liquor prices increase: The upcoming new financial year could prove costly for liquor drinkers in Chhattisgarh. Preparations are underway to increase liquor prices under the state government’s new excise policy.
The government has also issued a notification regarding revised excise duty, which has been published in the gazette. The new rates will be effective from April 1, 2026. This means that prices of Indian liquor, foreign liquor, and beer may all increase. While the old rates apply at shops now, liquor buyers will have to spend more in a few months.
What will change in the new excise policy?
Under the new excise policy, the tax on liquor will now be determined based on the market price, i.e., the retail sale price. This means that the more expensive the liquor, the higher the tax. The government has divided liquor prices into different slabs and determined the duty. Especially expensive foreign brands will be taxed more heavily. This will directly result in an increase in liquor prices. Taxes are being raised not only on foreign liquor, but also on domestic liquor, beer, and ready-to-drink beverages. This means that liquor of every category is expected to become more expensive.
Higher Impact on Expensive Brands
Under the new system, liquor brands priced at ₹11,000 or more will be subject to higher excise duty. This means that premium and luxury brands may see a larger increase in prices. However, prices of common brands will also increase somewhat. Market experts say that this will also affect the prices of liquor used in hotels, bars and big events.
Increasing Revenue and Improving the System
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao stated that rates change according to time, cost, and need. The new excise policy is a step in that direction. The government claims that the new policy will increase state revenue and make the liquor sales system more transparent. In the past, many questions have been raised regarding illegal liquor sales and the role of middlemen. The government claims that the new system will help curb this as well.
Political Conflict Between Congress and BJP
The new excise policy has also heated up Chhattisgarh politics. The Congress has accused the government of increasing the price of liquor and called it a burden on the public. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao retorted, saying that during the Congress regime, numerous liquor-related scams occurred and illegal sales increased. Therefore, the Congress has no right to raise questions. The blame game between the two parties continues on this issue, and it is likely to escalate further in the future.
