Summer Chill? No, It’s Summer Sizzle Beer Prices Go Up in Haryana

Living in Delhi but buying beer from Haryana because it’s cheaper? Beer lovers, even Haryana won’t be any cheaper for you now. Your love for the beer will come at a higher price. The state’s new excise policy for the year 2025-2027 has changed everything for you. Your favourite beer’s prices have jumped from  ₹90 to ₹140 and it will be effective from June 12, 2025. Shocked? We know this is the steepest price hike in a decade, which is why beer lovers are not welcoming the news. So, this new policy mandates a 55% increase for Indian beer brands and a 45% increase for imported beers. This means if you were buying 650ml Kingfisher Ultra bottle for ₹90 earlier, now you need to pay ₹140 for the same bottle. Similarly, a pint of Corona beer jumped from ₹200 to ₹290. So, no more calling a friend who works for an MNC in Gurugram and ask him to buy a beer crate for you. 

But, why did Haryana suddenly increase these rates? To match their pricing with neighbouring states and increase their state revenue. But as we said, no beer lover is welcoming the news. It’s a major upset for both consumers and vendors. What more? Let Corporate Soldiers break this news to you in detail!

Summer Chills? No, It’s Summer Sizzle:

Beer prices are causing chills to beer lovers rather than chills to their throat. The weather is sizzling hot, so are the beer prices, especially in northern states. In Haryana, beer drinkers are feeling the summer heat in more ways than one. Ever since the announcement of new excise policy came in, bar counters have never seemed so depressed. Indian beer brands prices went up by 55%, while imported beers went up by 45%. Now, it seems that the only thing frothier than your favourite lager is the outrage that every beer lover is feeling. 

Bulk Buying Before 12th June?

We bet you are thinking of same. Every beer lover is rushing to stock up before June 12. They are in such a panic buying state as if a pandemic has begun. Regular beer drinkers and party planners are the most panicked people among this crowd. They want to stock up before the new excise policy kicks in. They are hoping to enjoy their favourite brews at the old, lower prices for as long as possible. Though some people are so shocked by this news, they are eyeing lower-cost alternatives or even thinking about switching to spirits. As per retailers, some customers are almost clearing out every shelf of popular brands like Kingfisher, Budweiser, and Carlsberg. Now, whether it is due to summer or because of this news, beer consumption is on the surge.

But is there any limit to stocking up? Of course, your pocket is one, but tighter enforcement is another. Yes, tighter enforcement and stricter licensing, these two things will close your stock up window soon. Let’s see how?

Know The Policy First!

Before you stock pile the beer crates, you must understand the new policy. This goes for retailers as well. So, how is this new policy different and stricter than the old policy? According to the new policy, all the licensing norms will be tougher. There will be compliance checks, and stricter controls on your business’s stock inventory and retail operations. This means your regular vendor can not give you discounts on your hoarding or purchases. Yes, no discounts on large takeaways, especially near the deadline. There is no way the government is leaving their revenues, hence, it is closely monitoring the revenue leakages. Stricter rules will mean that all sales are being properly taxed and there will be no room for last-minute stockpiling. This is another reason why people are looking for cheaper alternatives. 

Beer, as we know has lower alcohol content which is why people prefer it. But since it has become expensive, they are moving towards spirits like whisky and vodka. Though they don’t come at cheaper prices either, still their prices have made a smaller jump compared to beer. This is concerning as well because this shift in drinking choices will impact your health. Also, according to new policy, beer shops should be far away from schools and highways. You can’t even place an ad near these places. Moreover, the small vendors in small villages will no longer be functional or may have limited access.

How Much Revenue Will The Government Generate? 

If Haryana’s new excise policy were a beer mug, it would be overflowing. Yes, all fingers are dipped in ‘Ghee’, an extra ₹1,364 crore in their pocket compared to last year. Now, this further rise in price is the highest price hike ever. As Haryana will raise the toast in the end as frothy ₹14,064 crore in excise collections for 2025-27 will further add up. So, while you all beer lovers are counting your rupees, the government is counting its blessings and its windfall. As the price of a pint goes up, revenue adds up. Every ‘cheers’ will now be added all the way to the treasury.

Let’s see how much prices have gone up over the past ten years and how much excise revenue has been generated.

How People Are Reacting to This News?

Beer has gone hot, not cold. Haryana’s beer lovers are taking the price hike news as a slap on their face. Atleast this is what it seems like on social platforms. Meme flood is going on as drinkers mourn the passing of affordable evenings. A Gurugram resident said, “₹140 for a local beer? Might as well start investing in breweries instead of SIPs!” Yes, this news has hit hard Gurugram’s corporate hustlers. Those who used to love the taste of imported beer have been shocked by this news. They are even declaring that Corona has now become more exclusive than actual coronations. 

People are even joking around that all their weekend plans will now be rewritten. They suggest switching to water or lime will be the best option. 

What about retailers and bar owners? They aren’t raising a toast either. Instead, they are preparing themselves for a drought in customers and a flood of complaints. A few shopkeepers on Sohna Road complained about their shrinking margins. Also, for the hospitality industry, the scenario will change as licence fees will be more expensive. So, no ‘cheers’ for them either.

Dear beer lovers, shrugging off the news and still getting ready for the last-minute stockpile? 

Good luck! Cheers or no cheers, Corporate Soldiers signs off!