Delhi Excise Revenue Jumps 17 Percent to ₹1,038 Crore in April-May
Delhi’s excise revenue increased by nearly 17 percent during the first two months of the current financial year, collecting ₹1,038 crore for the city.
According to official figures shared by government officials, the Delhi Excise Department's collections for April and May rose from ₹885 crore during the same period last year. The collections were also higher than the ₹922 crore recorded during April-May 2024, indicating a steady increase in excise receipts over the past two years.
Officials attributed the revenue growth to a stable retail market and reduced uncertainty among licence holders and suppliers. This stability followed the government’s decision to extend the existing excise policy for an entire year, rather than continuing with the short-term, three-month extensions that were previously issued.
The decision means Delhi continues to operate under the 2020-21 excise policy, which has been extended repeatedly since the withdrawal of the scrapped 2021-22 policy. The policy was extended multiple times under the previous Aam Aadmi Party government and has now been extended thrice under the current Bharatiya Janata Party administration to ensure continuity in liquor supply.
Industry representatives also pointed to improved product availability as a key factor behind the revenue spike. Vinod Giri from the Brewers Association of India stated that the availability of renowned brands in Delhi increased from about 24 percent last year to 54 percent. He noted that the excise department had acted against practices that promoted specific brands, helping to meet consumer demand more effectively.
Currently, liquor retail in Delhi is entirely controlled by government-run outlets. More than 700 liquor vends are operated across the city by four government agencies: the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation, Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation, Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation, and Delhi Consumers’ Cooperative Wholesale Store.
While the city operates under the extended policy, the Delhi government is working to frame a new excise policy. Following its transition in February 2025, the BJP administration appointed a committee to draft a new framework focused on regulatory clarity and consumer convenience, though officials indicated the new policy is still some distance away.
