Overview

• Excise duty on IMFL has risen to 4.5 times manufacturing cost up to ₹260 per bulk litre, while country liquor duty increased from ₹180 to ₹205 per proof litre
• Minimum retail prices for 180 ml bottles have been set at ₹80 for country liquor, ₹148 for Maharashtra Made Liquor, ₹205 for IMFL and ₹360 for premium foreign brands
• A new category, Maharashtra Made Liquor, mandates grain-based production by local distillers to promote regional industry
• Beer and wine are exempt from the duty hike, offering relief to vintners and brewers such as Sula Vineyards and GM Breweries
• The excise department is bolstering oversight with 1,223 new posts and an AI-powered control room to monitor production and distribution