New Delhi: Liquor sales in Delhi recorded a significant increase ahead of Diwali 2026, generating Rs 589.17 crore in revenue during the fortnight preceding the festival, marking a 13.5% rise compared with the corresponding period last year. According to provisional data from the Delhi Excise Department, more than 3.31 crore liquor bottles were sold across the national capital during this period, reflecting strong festive demand.
During the same period in 2025, Delhi recorded liquor sales worth Rs 518.97 crore, with approximately 2.96 crore bottles sold. This year, the total number of bottles increased by nearly 35 lakh, indicating higher purchases across the city’s retail liquor network.
The biggest surge was recorded on November 7, a day before Diwali, when liquor sales reached Rs 79.25 crore. Around 40.45 lakh bottles were sold on that single day, compared with 34.70 lakh bottles worth Rs 63.40 crore on Diwali eve in 2025. This represents an increase of nearly 25% in sales value and approximately 16.6% in bottle volumes.
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Liquor shops across Delhi remained closed on November 8, Diwali day, which was declared a dry day by the Excise Department. The city’s retail liquor network is operated by four government-owned corporations: DTTDC, DSIIDC, DSCSC and DCCWS. Together, they manage approximately 725 retail outlets selling Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL), imported spirits, wine and beer. Private operators are currently not permitted to run retail liquor stores in the capital.
The Delhi government has set an excise revenue collection target of Rs 7,200 crore for FY2026-27, compared with Rs 7,148 crore in the previous financial year. The festive sales performance provides a strong start towards the annual target as the government continues to work on changes to its excise policy and retail framework.
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