Hyderabad: Premium whisky, brandy, and vodka are set to become more expensive soon. After recently raising beer prices, the Telangana State government is planning to increase liquor prices again within a month. This move is aimed at raising funds for the upcoming financial year 2025-2026.
According to officials, the State Excise and Prohibition Department has proposed a 10% hike in the prices of premium whisky. The government is looking for ways to generate more revenue because income from property registrations and other commercial activities has slowed down in recent months.
The government is under pressure to pay interest on loans and clear monthly debts. It also needs more money to fund various expensive welfare schemes. Officials believe that increasing liquor prices is a quick way to address the financial shortfall.
The government expects to earn Rs 27,600 crore from liquor sales in 2025-2026, compared to Rs 25,617 crore in the current financial year. Officials estimate that around Rs 2,000 crore in additional revenue can be raised by increasing liquor prices and collecting fees from licensed liquor shops.
Officials also say that raising the prices of premium liquor will not reduce sales, as the customers of these products are willing to pay more. Premium liquor sales currently make up about 30% of total liquor revenue. The recent increase in beer prices has already helped boost earnings, especially with high beer sales during the summer.
