Imported liquoris set to become considerably cheaper inMaharashtrawith the state slashing excise duty on this segment by a steep 50%from 300% to 150%in an attempt to crack down on smuggling and bootlegging.
Thus, the price of a 1000ml imported liquor bottle like of Scotch whiskey, which ranges from Rs 5,800 to Rs 14,000, will drop by 35 to 40%.
This will put an end to illegal entry (of such liquor) into Maharashtra. We will be able to stop non-duty-paid liquor sales in the state and prevent the grey market. We hope to double revenue in this sector from Rs 100 crore to 250 crore in one year. Sales will go up from 1 lakh cases (bottles) annually to 2.5 lakh cases.
During the three financial years from 2016-17 to 2018-19, the excise revenue from imported spirits was around Rs 200 crore, according to officials. However, they said, the revenue dipped to Rs 100 crore during 2019-20 and 2020-21. This did not occur because of Covid but due to the sudden rise in sales tax.