Diwali Liquor Revenue: Delhi Sets New Record, Government Earns ₹600 Crore from Liquor Sales During Festive Season

National Desk: The national capital, Delhi, is known for its high liquor consumption, especially during the festive season. This year, the Diwali celebrations have brought a major boost to the Delhi government’s excise collections, as alcohol sales surged to record levels.

According to data released by the Delhi government, residents of the city consumed so much liquor during the Diwali period that the state earned hundreds of crores in tax revenue alone. Compared to last year, the government’s earnings from liquor sales have risen by nearly 15%.

Record-Breaking Sales During Diwali

In the 15 days leading up to Diwali, Delhi’s retail liquor sales generated around ₹600 crore in excise revenue — a record high. In comparison, during the same period last year (2024), the revenue stood at ₹516 crore.

A senior Delhi government official confirmed that liquor vends in the capital reported sales worth ₹594 crore just before Diwali this year, reflecting a strong year-on-year growth.

Will the Revenue Target Be Achieved?

From Excise Duty and VAT, the Delhi government earned a total revenue of ₹4,192.86 crore in the first half of the current financial year (2025–26), up from ₹3,731.79 crore during the same period last year.

With the festive surge, the Excise Department is optimistic that the ₹6,000 crore annual revenue target will be comfortably achieved. The upcoming New Year celebrations and wedding season in November–December are also expected to further drive liquor sales.

Officials added that the department is encouraging individuals and event organizers to obtain temporary liquor licenses for serving alcohol at functions and celebrations, further contributing to revenue growth.

Stock Market Reacts to Liquor Boom

The surge in liquor sales has also positively impacted the stock market, with several liquor companies witnessing significant gains over the past month:

• Radico Khaitan: Up nearly 10%
• Tilaknagar Industries: Up around 4%
• GM Breweries: Soared by over 71% — the highest among peers
• Allied Blenders: Gained about 17%

The robust festive sales and upcoming wedding and party season suggest that Delhi’s liquor market — and government coffers — will continue to flow abundantly in the months ahead.