Revised Liquor Prices Likely To Take Effect by End-July or Early August
Premium brands may cost up to Rs 120 more; new 150 ml and 200 ml bottles are proposed
Hyderabad: Liquor prices are set to be hiked once again, with the government's price fixation committee expected to submit its final recommendations after concluding its meeting on Monday. The committee, which has been holding a series of discussions with breweries and distilleries since March this year, was originally scheduled to hold its final meeting on Friday.
Sources said the revised liquor prices are likely to come into effect by the end of July or in the first week of August after the government examined the committee's report and approved the proposals.
According to proposals under consideration, prices of premium brands could increase by up to Rs 100 per full bottle, while higher-category brands may witness a hike of up to Rs 120. Prices of economy liquor, which accounts for a large share of retail sales, could go up by as much as Rs 90 per bottle.
Apart from recommending a price revision, the committee is also examining proposals to introduce 150 ml and 200 ml liquor bottles. The move is aimed at expanding consumer choices and boosting sales. Several liquor manufacturers have informed the Telangana Beverages Corporation Limited (TGBCL) that they have the capacity to produce bottles in the new sizes.
The price fixation committee has held 11 rounds of meetings with liquor companies and is expected to submit its final report proposing revised prices for all categories of liquor, including budget, mid-range, premium and higher-end brands.
According to proposals under consideration, prices of premium brands could increase by up to Rs 100 per full bottle, while higher-category brands may witness a hike of up to Rs 120. Prices of economy liquor, which accounts for a large share of retail sales, could go up by as much as Rs 90 per bottle.
Beer prices were increased by 15 per cent in February 2025, resulting in an increase of about Rs 30 to Rs 50 per bottle depending on the brand. Liquor prices were revised in May 2025, with quarter bottles becoming costlier by Rs 10, half bottles by Rs 20 and full bottles by Rs 40.
Breweries and distilleries have sought another round of price revision, citing sharp increases in production costs triggered by global supply disruptions following the Iran conflict. Industry representatives informed the government that natural gas shortages have led to a nearly 40 per cent decline in glass production, causing bottle prices to rise by around 20 per cent. They also cited higher costs of fuel, natural gas, aluminium cans and other raw materials, with several glass manufacturing units reportedly reducing production or shutting down.
The companies have requested a 12 to 15 per cent increase in liquor prices. Instead of a uniform revision, the government is reportedly considering a tiered pricing model with five slabs based on bottle sizes ranging from 90 ml to 750 ml, brand category and tax structure, resulting in differentiated price increases across budget, mid-range and premium segments.
