Alcohol Prices to Rise Sharply in Maharashtra: The Maharashtra government has approved a substantial hike in excise duty on liquor, triggering an imminent rise in alcohol prices across the state. The decision, taken during a recent cabinet meeting, aims to boost state revenue but may significantly impact consumers and the hospitality industry. (Alcohol Prices to Rise Sharply in Maharashtra)
Officials confirmed that the revised duty structure applies to both Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and country-made liquor. As a result, the cost of beer, wine, and spirits will go up considerably. The government expects this move to generate additional revenue of ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 crore annually.
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Liquor shop owners and bar operators expressed concern about the steep hike. They believe higher prices will lead to reduced footfall and lower overall sales. “This decision will directly affect our business,” said a bar owner in Pune. “Many customers will shift to cheaper or illegal alternatives.”
The hospitality industry, already recovering from COVID-era losses, now faces another challenge. Restaurant and hotel owners fear the price-sensitive clientele might cut back on alcohol spending, impacting their profits and operations.
Consumers, especially daily wage earners and middle-income groups, will feel the burden of this price surge. Many worry this could lead to a rise in black market sales and smuggling, as people search for more affordable options.
State officials defended the hike by pointing to rising public expenditures and the need for additional funds. They clarified that Maharashtra had not increased excise duty in the past few years, making this revision necessary.
The hike will come into effect once the notification is published in the official gazette. Retailers will need to update their pricing immediately, and customers should expect to pay more from that day onward.
As Maharashtra implements this new policy, all eyes are on how the market and the public will respond.
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