Foreign Liquor in Chhattisgarh Set to Get Cheaper, Details Inside

Raipur: Chhattisgarh government has decided to scrap additional excise duty of 9.5 per cent which is imposed on the foreign liquor, an official statement said on Sunday. 

The move taken by the state government will result in a reduction of prices by approximately Rs 40 to Rs 3,000 per bottle across medium and high-range categories. 

The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday evening. The decision is set to be implemented by next financial year. 

"The cabinet approved the Chhattisgarh Excise Policy for the financial year 2025-26. As per the new policy, the 674 liquor shops will continue to be functional in the next financial year and the premium shops will be operated as per requirement," an official said. 

No Change In Country Liquor Prices

An official said that no changes have been made in the country liquor prices, adding that the move to slash additional excise duty on foreign liquor will not only benefit the state's revenue but also help maintain market stability.

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“For supply of country liquor the existing rate offer will continue to remain effective. The wholesale procurement and distribution of foreign liquor will continue to be managed by Chhattisgarh State Beverages Corporation Limited. The decision is expected to bring two major benefits, including foreign liquor in Chhattisgarh becoming affordable and curbing smuggling of liquor from other states, the official said,” he said. 

Meanwhile, in a move signalling closer trade ties with the United States, India has reduced the import duty on bourbon whiskey to 50%. 

Despite the cut for bourbon whiskey, the basic customs duty on other liquors remains unchanged at 100%. The United States, the primary exporter of bourbon whiskey to India, accounts for nearly one-fourth of the total imports in this category. Previously, the import duty on bourbon stood at 150%.