Since there is going to be higher fees and duties at every stage, the liquor prices are expected to go up in the state. The government’s target for 2026-27 is Rs 12,800 crore, up from Rs 11,020 crore last fiscal year.
Punjab government approves its updated Excise Policy for 2026-27, targeting a revenue collection of Rs 12,800 crore, surpassing the Rs 6,200 crore collected in 2022 when the AAP government assumed office.
Highlights to an updated policy is as follows:
- Current holders of liquor retail licenses may renew their licenses with a fee increase of 6.5%.
- Licenses that are not renewed will be distributed via a transparent e-tender procedure.
- The fees for stage duties, labeling, and bottling plant licenses have all increased.
- For the first time, regulations now permit single malt (malt) production facilities in Punjab, enabling them to both distill and bottle in the state
Such an increase in the fee prices have been applied to all; manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers.
What this means for consumers?
Since there is going to be higher fees and duties at every stage, the liquor prices are expected to go up in the state. The government’s target for 2026-27 is Rs 12,800 crore, up from Rs 11,020 crore last fiscal year. As per the statement made by Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema informs that so far, the state has already collected over Rs 11,200 crore this year.
