3 min readKolkataNov 27, 2025 02:35 PM IST
First published on: Nov 27, 2025 at 02:35 PM IST
With winter setting in, prices of all types of liquor in West Bengal are set to rise ahead of the new year. According to a recent notification issued by the state Excise department, the new additional excise duty will come into effect from December 1, 2025.
The revised policy increases duty on all categories of liquor — domestic and foreign — except beer. Manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers have been directed to clear as much stock as possible at old prices by November 30, as alcohol cannot be sold at pre-revision prices thereafter. As per the notification, the price of a 750 ml pack of foreign liquor will rise by Rs 30 to 40, while a 180 ml pack will become costlier by Rs 10. Country liquor will also see a Rs 10 increase per pack.
According to sources, the state’s annual excise revenue target for 2025-26 is Rs 19,000-20,000 crore. A senior state Excise department official said, “We are trying to exceed the target revenue from excise duty. We expect that because of this hike, liquor consumption will not decrease, but revenue will increase by almost Rs 4,000 crore, which will help reduce the state government’s revenue deficit.”
The official added that the revenue impact will become clear only a month after the new rates come into effect. “The issue of revenue growth is crucial ahead of next year’s assembly elections. Several new announcements may be made by the state government in the coming months. If revenue increases due to this price revision, the government will be able to spend more on public welfare schemes,” the official said.
The state already incurs major expenditure on schemes such as Lakshmir Bhandar (over Rs 25,000 crore), Banglar Bari (over Rs 40,000 crore), and Kanyashree, Lakshmisree, Puja committee grants and other social security schemes (over Rs 10,000 crore). In addition, arrears of dearness allowance are expected to impose an additional Rs 11,000 crore burden on the state exchequer.
According to the financial statement of the 2025-26 state budget, the estimated revenue deficit is Rs 35,314.95 crore, the fiscal deficit is Rs 73,177.96 crore, and the outstanding debt stands at Rs 7,71,670.41 crore.
The administration has said the revised rate will apply to all stocks that remain unsold within the stipulated period, and new price stickers must be affixed to all bottles to ensure consumers are aware of the revised rates. Copies of the official notification have been circulated to all concerned agencies, and brand owners and distributors have been directed to complete the required registration and label changes before December 1.
Experts expect some short-term instability in the state’s liquor market in early December due to the price change. However, the administration is hopeful that traders’ advance preparations will prevent major disruptions. Following the notification, number-crunching has begun among liquor traders as prices move upward.
West Bengal is set to raise liquor prices across all categories (except beer) starting December 1. (File) 
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