Liquor Prices Slashed in Chhattisgarh: Whisky Bottle Now Rs 480, New Brands Approved, 67 More Shops to Open
Raipur
Liquor prices in Chhattisgarh have been reduced, with the new rates taking effect from April 1 across all outlets. Under the revised pricing, a 750ml bottle of Icon Premium Whisky will now cost Rs 480. Prices of various other brands have also been slashed by Rs 40 to Rs 300.
Additionally, several global liquor brands have been approved for sale, including 23 brands from Pernod Ricard, 29 from United Spirits, 12 from Beam Global, and 8 from Bacardi. Indian premium brands such as Indri, Rampur, Paul John, and Jaisalmer have also been given approval.
As part of the state’s new excise policy, 67 new liquor shops will be opened. The decision was sanctioned during the Sai Cabinet meeting on March 3, a day before the state budget was presented. The 9.5% excise duty previously levied on foreign liquor has been removed.
The government has also approved the sale of new beer brands, including Imperial Blue, McDowell’s No.1, Royal Challenge, Royal Stag, Blenders Pride, Antiquity, 100 Pipers, Ballantine’s, Teacher’s, Black Label, Blue Label, and Chivas Regal. Additionally, Six Fields Wheat Beer and Hoegaarden Wit Beer have been approved, along with premier brands like Budweiser, Corona, Bira Boom, KF Ultra Max, and Heineken, whose prices have also been reduced. These revised prices will apply to both regular liquor shops and premium wine stores.
For the fiscal year 2025-26, the government has retained the decision to operate 674 liquor outlets, including premium liquor stores. The supply of country liquor will remain unchanged, available at previous prices. The wholesale procurement and distribution of foreign liquor will continue under the Chhattisgarh State Beverages Corporation Limited.
The existing infrastructure development fee on liquor sales will also remain in effect, leading to lower prices for medium- and high-range foreign liquor. Officials believe this move will curb liquor smuggling from neighbouring states, which was previously rampant due to lower liquor prices outside Chhattisgarh.
Meanwhile, reacting to the price reduction, Congress leader Sushil Anand Shukla criticized the BJP-led state government, stating that no steps have been taken to reduce the number of liquor outlets. He pointed out that the same 674 liquor shops will continue operations this year and accused the government of reducing the 9.5% additional tax on foreign liquor purely to boost sales and maximize revenue.
Shukla further alleged that the state government is unwilling to let go of illicit profits from the liquor trade and claimed large-scale commission-based corruption in deciding which brands and manufacturers would be allowed to sell in the state. He demanded that the BJP clarify when it plans to implement the liquor prohibition it once advocated.
