Hyderabad: The festive spirit of Navaratri has brought an unexpected boon to Telangana's liquor industry, with sales exceeding the impressive Rs 1,000 crore mark within just ten days. According to the state’s Excise Department, the total collection during this period reached a staggering Rs 1,057 crore, showcasing a significant 20 percent increase compared to the same timeframe last year. Beer sales played a pivotal role in this surge, with a remarkable 18 lakh cases sold, contributing substantially to the overall revenue. Additionally, the state reported a robust sale of 10.45 lakh cases of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL).
The data, sourced from the Times of India, indicates that the earnings from liquor sales between October 1 and 11 amounted to Rs 877 crore, despite the presence of a dry day on October 2. The growth in liquor sales is not just a seasonal trend; it reflects a broader trajectory of consistent annual increases. Telangana's liquor revenue has skyrocketed from a mere Rs 10,000 crore in the 2014-15 fiscal year to an impressive Rs 36,493 crore recorded in 2023-24.
This year, the fiscal collection from liquor sales so far has reached ₹19,857 crore, signaling a thriving market that continues to expand. As the celebrations of Navaratri culminate in Vijaya Dasami, the liquor industry in Telangana finds itself at a pivotal moment, mirroring the festive exuberance while contributing significantly to the state's economy. With beer sales growing by 10 percent and IMFL sales surging by 26 percent over the same period last year, the future looks bright for the state's excise revenues.