Karnataka Liquor Price Hike: Beer, Indian Made Liquor Gets Costlier, Here's How Much More You'll Pay

The price of liquor in Karnataka has been hiked once again. Both Indian Made Liquor (IML) and beer have become costlier across the state, marking the fourth price increase in just two years. The revised prices have come into effect immediately, following the government's latest notification.

The move comes in the backdrop of the Karnataka government increasing the excise revenue target for the financial year 2024-25. Last year, the Excise Department was tasked with collecting ₹38,600 crore. This year, the target has been raised to ₹40,000 crore, prompting the department to revise liquor prices in a bid to meet the increased goal.

According to officials, prices of IML have gone up by 10% to 20%, depending on the slab. Popular beer brands have also seen a hike of ₹10 to ₹20 per bottle, with further markups expected in bars and restaurants. Consumers will now have to shell out an extra ₹10-₹15 on the MRP while drinking at licensed establishments.

The government has revised rates under slabs 1 to 4 out of the 16 IML pricing slabs. For instance:

• Slab 1: Quarter bottle increased from ₹65 to ₹80
• Slab 2: ₹80 to ₹95
• Slab 3 and 4: ₹10 to ₹15 increase each

On average, a quarter bottle of liquor now costs ₹10 to ₹25 more, while full bottles are dearer by ₹50 to ₹100, depending on the brand and category.

This decision has sparked discontent among regular consumers and liquor shop owners. Many believe the repeated hikes are becoming difficult to absorb, especially amid rising costs in other sectors.

While the government argues that the price revision is aimed at boosting state revenue and curbing illegal sales, opposition parties and public voices have criticised the frequent hikes, accusing the state of placing a disproportionate financial burden on consumers.

With this being the fourth hike in just 24 months, industry stakeholders fear that the steep pricing could affect sales volumes and encourage illicit liquor trade in rural and border areas.