Telangana: April-May Heatwave Spurs Beer Sales, Lifts State Excise Collections
The state earned ₹3,618.41 crore from liquor sales during April 2026,
Hyderabad: The state government witnessed a significant rise in liquor sales during April and May 2026, resulting in higher excise revenues, with beer consumption emerging as the principal driver of growth amid soaring summer temperatures.
According to official data, the state earned ₹3,618.41 crore from liquor sales during April 2026, registering a growth of 10.58 per cent over the ₹3,272.33 crore recorded in April 2025. Beer sales during the month rose sharply to 56.21 lakh cases from 46.46 lakh cases a year earlier, reflecting a growth of 20.99 per cent.
In contrast, Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) sales remained largely stagnant at 31.07 lakh cases compared to 31.18 lakh cases in April 2025, showing a marginal decline of 0.35 per cent.
The last day of April also recorded strong sales. On April 30, liquor sales were valued at ₹423.57 crore, up 22.20 per cent from ₹346.62 crore on the corresponding day last year. IMFL sales increased to 3.62 lakh cases from 3.50 lakh cases, registering a growth of 3.43 per cent, while beer sales surged to 5.04 lakh cases from 3.18 lakh cases, marking an impressive 58.49 per cent rise.
The upward trend continued in May. Up to May 25, liquor sales generated revenue of ₹2,695.02 crore, against ₹2,335.39 crore during the same period last year, a growth of 15.4 per cent. IMFL sales increased to 22.16 lakh cases from 20.66 lakh cases, reflecting a growth of 7.26 per cent, while beer sales climbed to 50.42 lakh cases from 40.72 lakh cases, posting a robust growth of 23.82 per cent.
Daily sales figures also indicated sustained momentum. On May 20, liquor sales touched ₹94.46 crore against ₹91.24 crore on the same day last year, registering a growth of 3.53 per cent. Beer sales on the day rose by 13.64 per cent to 1.75 lakh cases from 1.54 lakh cases, while IMFL sales remained unchanged at 0.78 lakh cases. On May 25, liquor sales reached ₹197.09 crore with 1.65 lakh cases of IMFL and 3.22 lakh cases of beer sold.
Excise officials attributed the strong performance largely to increased beer consumption during the peak summer season. The steady rise in overall sales value during April and May has translated into higher revenues for the state exchequer, highlighting the significant impact of seasonal demand patterns on liquor sales.