Chhattisgarh: Liquor Prices to Soar from April 1, Public Opinion Divided

• The Sai government in Chhattisgarh is implementing a new excise policy from April 1, 2026, significantly increasing countervailing duty and excise duty on liquor.
• The new policy imposes a 50% countervailing duty on country liquor and up to 50% duty on foreign liquor, spirits, wine, and ready-to-drink categories.
• Many residents, including Dinanath Jagat, Bhagatram, and Chandrashekhar Yadav, express concern that increased prices will burden the poor and middle class, making it difficult to afford liquor.
• Concerns were also raised about the shift from glass to plastic bottles for liquor, citing potential health hazards due to chemicals, especially in summer.
• While some view the price hike as a positive step to curb addiction, public opinion remains divided, with many criticizing the government for promoting drinking and then increasing prices.