Hyderabad: The Telangana government has initiated a fresh liquor price hike by increasing the retail prices of select Scotch whisky brands and premium vodka labels. The revised prices have already come into effect, with an increase of ₹40–₹50 per 750 ml bottle. According to officials, this is only the first phase of a broader revision, and prices of several other liquor brands are expected to be increased shortly.
The Telangana Excise Department reportedly implemented the revised prices without issuing prior notice to licensed wine dealers. Dealers came to know about the increase only when they received purchase invoices reflecting the new rates while placing orders. Representatives of the Telangana Wine Dealers Association said the additional cost on premium liquor purchases has inevitably been passed on to consumers, and they expressed concern that the department had not informed retailers in advance about the revision.
Officials indicated that the state government is preparing to revise the prices of all major liquor categories, including whisky, brandy and vodka. The proposed increase is expected to be in the range of 15–20 percent across various brands. A government-appointed Price Fixation Committee has already examined the proposal for a statewide liquor price revision and submitted its report to the government for consideration.
The final decision on the revised liquor prices will be taken after reviewing the recommendations of the committee. Industry sources said distilleries and breweries have been urging the Telangana government to increase the prices of several liquor categories by as much as 30 percent, citing rising production and operational costs.
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With the proposed revision, the Telangana Excise Department is expected to generate around ₹200 crore in additional revenue every month. Officials also noted that liquor prices were previously increased by 10 percent per quarter in May 2025, while beer prices were revised upward in February 2025. The latest move is likely to have a significant impact on liquor consumers, retailers and the alcobev industry across Telangana.
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