Bhopal, May 27, 2026: Madhya Pradesh is witnessing a significant beer supply shortage during the peak summer season, with the state facing an estimated 14% deficit in beer availability, according to excise department officials. Industry stakeholders, however, claim the actual shortage may be much higher, affecting availability across several cities and retail liquor outlets.
The supply disruption comes after the closure of a major private beer manufacturing and bottling facility in Raisen district earlier this year. The unit reportedly accounted for nearly 40-50% of the state’s beer production and supply, particularly in the mass-market and low-priced beer segment.
With temperatures rising sharply across the state, beer demand has surged to nearly two lakh crates per day during peak summer weeks. Officials said the excise department has been arranging alternative supplies from breweries within Madhya Pradesh and neighbouring states to reduce the gap between demand and availability.
→ Bira 91 Revival Plan Anicut-Led Board Offers to Buy Out Key Investors→ AB InBev Plans Smaller Packs, Protein Beers and Non-Beer Drinks to Adapt to Changing Consumer Preferences
MP Excise Commissioner Deepak Saxena stated that the department has managed to bring down the supply deficit from nearly 45% to around 14% through emergency sourcing measures and redistribution efforts.
Industry representatives and liquor contractors, however, alleged that the state government failed to anticipate the supply disruption after the Raisen facility shut operations. Contractors claimed the shortage has affected both economy beer brands and premium beer availability in urban markets such as Bhopal.
Liquor traders pointed out that Madhya Pradesh follows a government-controlled supply mechanism through excise department “mother depots,” unlike states such as Uttar Pradesh where private wholesalers and liquor companies directly manage supply chains.
According to industry stakeholders, delays in liquor shop renewals and auction processes this year also prevented vendors from building adequate summer inventory, worsening the situation during peak consumption months.
Excise officials further acknowledged that premium and high-end beer brands are becoming difficult to procure in major cities because vendors from smaller towns are also booking available stock amid fears of further shortages.
The ongoing supply crunch has once again highlighted the challenges in Madhya Pradesh’s alco-bev distribution system and raised concerns within the industry over the need for better forecasting, diversified sourcing and stronger supply-chain planning during high-demand seasons.
About the Author
