Beer Consumption Surges In Maharashtra As Drinkers Shift Away From Costlier Liquor
Beer Consumption Surges In Maharashtra As Drinkers Shift Away From Costlier Liquor
Mumbai, May 12, 2026: A noticeable shift in drinking preferences has emerged in Maharashtra after the state government increased excise duties on domestic and foreign liquor, leading many consumers to turn to beer as a more affordable option.
Traditionally, country liquor has recorded the highest consumption in the state. However, recent hikes in excise duty on both Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) and domestic spirits reportedly increased by three to four times in some categories have significantly raised prices, affecting consumer buying patterns.
According to recent sales figures published in Loksatta, beer consumption in Maharashtra witnessed a sharp rise between April 2025 and March 2026. During this period, nearly 46.13 crore litres of beer were sold across the state, marking a substantial jump compared to previous years.
In contrast, the consumption of Indian-made foreign liquor declined during the same period. Data indicates that IMFL sales, which stood at around 32 crore litres in 2025, dropped to nearly 27 crore litres this year.
Beer sales, which were approximately 38 crore litres earlier, climbed to over 46 crore litres this year, reflecting a major increase in demand. Country liquor sales also registered growth, rising from nearly 40 crore litres last year to around 42 crore litres this year.
Industry observers believe the rise in beer consumption was further boosted by the intense summer season, although officials noted that this year’s demand has exceeded normal seasonal trends.
The increase in liquor prices has also contributed to higher revenue collection for the state government. Maharashtra reportedly earned around ₹25,467 crore in excise revenue from various categories of alcohol in 2025. This figure has now increased by nearly 18 percent, reaching approximately ₹29,957 crore in the current financial year.
