Liquor sales cross Rs 44K Cr

metro india news  I hyderabad

Liquor sales have emerged as one of the biggest revenue generators for the Telangana government, with alcohol consumption and excise earnings rising steadily over the past twelve years since the formation of the state. Since the formation of the state, alcohol sales have shown a steady year-on-year rise, with revenues increasing by around Rs. 3,000 to 4,000 crore compared to previous years, making excise revenue a major source of financial support for the state treasury.

The Excise Department has also focused on expanding liquor sales, helping the government secure some economic relief through higher collections. In 2015–16, the department generated only Rs.12,706 crore in revenue. A decade later, in the 2025–26 financial year, it achieved a record-breaking Rs.44,557 crore in total revenue — the highest ever in Telangana’s history and the first time the state crossed the Rs.44,000 crore mark.

Out of the total, liquor sales alone contributed Rs.40,209 crore. Telangana currently has 2,620 A-4 liquor shops across the state, generating Rs.1,771 crore annually through rental fees. In addition, 1,214 bars contributed Rs.549 crore in revenue. The Excise Department also earned an extra Rs.2,869 crore through 95,628 applications during the 2025–26 financial year, making it the first time such a massive income level has been recorded.

In comparison, the state earned Rs.37,487 crore in 2024–25, showing a 7 percent growth in 2025–26. December 2025 alone saw record liquor sales worth Rs.5,051 crore. Back in 2018–19, excise revenue stood at Rs.20,859 crore. In just seven years, it has more than doubled, crossing the Rs.40,000 crore milestone.

Liquor sales rose, while beer sales declined during the year. In 2025–26, Telangana sold 382.91 lakh cases of liquor and 387.34 lakh cases of beer. Compared to the previous year, liquor sales increased by 2 percent, while beer sales dropped sharply by 9 percent. In 2024–25, the state recorded 372.25 lakh cases of liquor and 536.13 lakh cases of beer, reflecting a major shift in consumption patterns.

Revenue Surge

YEAR REVENUE

2015–16          12,706

2016–17          14,184

2017–18          17,597

2018–19          20,859

2019–20     22,605

2020–21          27,286

2021–22          30,783

2022–23          35,145

2023–24          37,675

2024–25          37,488

2025–26          40,209