Sankranti Shock: Government Hikes Liquor Prices by Rs. 10 Per Bottle

• The state government increased liquor prices by Rs. 10 per bottle, effective during the Sankranti festival.
• The price hike applies to IMFL and foreign liquor, but not to Rs. 99 brands, beer, wine, or ready-to-drinks.
• Additional Retail Excise Tax (ARET) on bars was abolished, equalizing liquor prices between bars and wine shops.
• The ARET abolition is estimated to cause a revenue loss of Rs. 340 crores, which the Rs. 10 hike aims to offset.
• Retailer margins were slightly increased, and the government expects an additional annual revenue of Rs. 1,391 crores.

Why It Matters: Government hikes liquor prices by Rs. 10 per bottle during Sankranti, aiming to boost revenue.