Goa vs Maharashtra: Why Alcohol is So Much Cheaper Across the Border

• Alcohol prices differ drastically between Goa and Maharashtra due to varying state excise duties.
• Goa levies approximately 55% tax on alcohol MRP, while Maharashtra imposes around 71%, and Karnataka 83%.
• Goa's policy uses cheap alcohol to boost tourism and generate indirect revenue for its economy.
• Maharashtra views alcohol as a direct revenue source, targeting ₹37,000 crore in 2024-25 for public welfare.
• Local production and lower transport costs in Goa also contribute to its cheaper alcohol prices compared to Maharashtra.

Why It Matters: Goa's low alcohol prices are a deliberate tourism strategy, contrasting with Maharashtra's revenue-focused taxation.