Liquor Prices to Rise From April 1; English, Beer and Desi Liquor Rates Change Under UP New Excise Policy 2026

The Uttar Pradesh Excise Department has introduced a dedicated Excise Export Policy for 2026-27 to 2028-29, making Uttar Pradesh the first state in the country to roll out a separate export-focused excise framework. But the more immediate impact will be felt by consumers as the UP government's new excise policy brings significant liquor price revisions from April 1.

Liquor Prices Changes in Uttar Pradesh: New Excise Policy to Take Effect From April 1

Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) liquor, commonly known as English liquor prices will rise by Rs 10 to Rs 30 per bottle across categories. The quantitative quota for English liquor shops will increase by 7.5 percent and licence fees for these outlets will also go up by 7.5 percent. A similar 7.5 percent hike will apply to beer duties.

Desi Liquor Prices Revised; 100 ml Miniature Introduced

A major overhaul has been carried out in the pricing and packaging of Uttar Pradesh Made Liquor(UPML) or Desi liquor. Under the revised structure, only 25-degree strength desi liquor will be priced at Rs 55 for a 200 ml bottle. For the same quantity, 28-degree liquor will cost Rs 60, 36-degree liquor Rs 80, and 42.8-degree liquor Rs 90.

Earlier, desi liquor pouches and bottles carried uneven price points such as Rs 55, Rs 65 and Rs 75, which often resulted in disputes over small change at retail counters. Officials said the new uniform slabs are aimed at eliminating such friction.

Additionally, for the first time, a 100 ml miniature bottle of 42.8-degree desi liquor, will be introduced at a price of Rs 50.

Month-Wise Quota System for Desi Liquor

The new rules introduce a month-wise quota system for desi liquor vendors, similar to the system already in place for English liquor and beer.

Under this framework, minimum quota percentages for desi liquor shops will vary according to seasonal demand. Higher quotas have been fixed for peak wedding and festive months, while lower quotas apply during traditionally slower periods.

For instance, May, November and December carry higher minimum quotas of 9.5 percent, while August and September are set at 6.5 percent. Officials reportedly said aligning quotas with seasonal demand will help prevent excess stock lifting during low-sales months and improve overall efficiency in the supply chain.

Retail Quotas and Relief for Licensees

Under the revised policy, retail desi liquor quotas for shops located within municipal corporation areas have been set at 4 percent, reflecting comparatively lower urban sales. In rural areas, the quota has been fixed at 8 percent.

The government stated that this rationalisation will ease pressure on licensees who were previously required to lift stock beyond realistic demand levels, particularly during weak sales periods.

Wholesale traders have also received significant relief. Earlier, wholesale warehouse licence fees were fixed at Rs 20 lakh and Rs 25 lakh, which often resulted in heavy losses for low-lifting depots. The new policy reduces the basic wholesale licence fee to Rs 2 lakh, with an additional turnover-based charge of 0.4 percent or 0.5 percent.

Warehouses with higher sales volumes will pay 0.5 percent duty, while those with lower turnover will pay 0.4 percent.

Bhang Quota to Increase by 10 Percent

The new excise framework also increases the quota and licence fee for bhang shops by 10 percent from April 1. As a result, a rise in retail bhang prices is considered likely under the revised system.

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