Liquor Prices Set to Rise in Maharashtra as Cabinet Approves Hike in Excise Duty – Check Details Inside
Liquor Prices Set to Rise in Maharashtra as Cabinet Approves Hike in Excise Duty – Check Details Inside
State aims to boost revenue by ₹14,000 crore annually; introduces new liquor category and modernisation measures
The Mahayuti government in Maharashtra has approved a major hike in excise duties on liquor, expected to significantly increase alcohol prices across the state. The decision, taken by the Devendra Fadnavis-led cabinet on Tuesday, aims to generate an additional ₹14,000 crore in revenue annually and implement broad reforms to improve tax collection and administrative oversight.
Under the new structure, the excise duty on Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) will rise from three times to 4.5 times the declared manufacturing cost, capped at ₹260 per bulk litre. Country liquor duty will increase from ₹180 to ₹205 per proof litre.
Revised minimum retail prices for 180 ml bottles have been notified as follows:
- Country liquor: ₹80
- Maharashtra Made Liquor (MML): ₹148
- IMFL: ₹205
- Premium foreign liquor: ₹360
A notable addition is the introduction of a new grain-based liquor category called Maharashtra Made Liquor (MML), to be produced exclusively by local manufacturers. These brands will require fresh registration.
In a move to modernise monitoring, an AI-powered integrated control cell will be established to track operations across distilleries, bottling plants, and wholesale licensees.
Further reforms include:Creation of a new divisional excise office in Mumbai
Six new superintendent-level offices across major cities
1,223 new department posts (744 regular and 479 supervisory roles)
FL-2 and FL-3 licence holders can now operate through conducting agreements by paying an additional 15% and 10% annual fee respectively
According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, these reforms follow a detailed study of excise best practices across other states. The overall goal is to modernise the excise system, increase transparency, and maximise tax revenue.
