Maharashtra is set to witness a rise in alcohol prices as the state cabinet has approved a hike in excise duty on liquor. This decision, made on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, aims to boost the state's revenue. The increase will affect both retail purchases from liquor stores and consumption in restaurants and bars.
The excise duty on Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) will be raised from three times to 4.5 times the declared manufacturing cost, specifically for products with a manufacturing cost of up to ₹260 per bulk liter. Similarly, the duty on country liquor will increase from ₹180 to ₹205 per proof liter. These revisions mark the first change in excise duty in Maharashtra since 2011.
With these changes in excise duties and the minimum retail prices, the minimum retail prices for 180 ml bottles are set to change. Country liquor will now cost ₹80, up from ₹70. A new category, Maharashtra-made liquor (MML), will be priced at ₹148. IMFL will see a significant jump to ₹205, previously costing between ₹115 and ₹130. Premium foreign liquor may now cost ₹360, up from ₹210.
The state government is also introducing a new category of liquor called "Maharashtra Made Liquor" (MML). This grain-based alcohol will be exclusively produced by local manufacturers within the state, aiming to fill the pricing gap between country liquor and IMFL. MML brands will require new registrations, and national or foreign brands will not be eligible for this category. MML will be taxed under the country liquor tax structure but will only be available through FL-2 and FL-3 licensees. The government estimates this segment's current size at 5–6 crore litres, with potential for growth.
In addition to the excise duty hikes, the cabinet has also approved fee increases for annual licenses for outlets operating on lease agreements. There will be an additional charge of 15% for sealed foreign liquor retail licenses (FL-2) and 10% for hotel and restaurant licenses (FL-3).
To enhance the excise department's operations, the cabinet has sanctioned the creation of 1,223 new posts, including 744 regular and 479 supervisory positions. The state also plans to establish an integrated control cell that uses AI-based monitoring of distilleries, bottling plants, and wholesale licenses. A new divisional office will be established in Mumbai, along with six additional superintendent-level offices in Mumbai city, Mumbai suburbs, Thane, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, and Ahilyanagar districts.
The government anticipates that these measures will collectively generate an additional ₹14,000 crore annually in excise duties and related taxes. The increased revenue is expected to support various state initiatives and welfare programs.
Earlier in May 2025, the Maharashtra government also increased excise duty on beer, with mild beer rising by 25% and strong beer by 35%. This translated to an average price increase of ₹3 for a 330ML mild beer and ₹4.5 for a strong beer.
