Mon May 19 02:39:04 UTC 2025: ## Summary:

The article from The Hindu reports that liquor prices in Hyderabad are expected to rise substantially on Monday, May 20, 2025, with increases of ₹40 per full bottle, ₹20 per half bottle, and ₹10 per nip. While no official announcement has been made, the closure of the excise department’s website for rate revisions strongly suggests the impending hike. The price increase, recommended by the price fixation committee and awaiting the Chief Minister’s approval, is projected to generate an additional ₹150 crore per month in revenue. Beer prices already increased due to pressure from suppliers. Wine dealers remain uncertain about the applicability of the hike to existing stocks. Former minister T. Harish Rao of the BRS party criticized the Congress government’s reliance on excise revenue.

## News Article:

**Hyderabad Braces for Steep Liquor Price Hike Amid Government Revenue Push**

**Hyderabad, May 19, 2025** – Hyderabad residents are facing a significant increase in liquor prices, expected to take effect on Monday, May 20th. Sources within the excise department indicate prices will rise by approximately ₹40 for a full bottle, ₹20 for a half bottle, and ₹10 for a “nip” (quarter bottle).

Although no official announcement has been released, the excise department’s website went offline on Sunday, reportedly for revisions to reflect the new rates. A senior official confirmed that while no announcement had been made the closure of the website to change the rates was an indication of the impending hike.

The price increase, which has been under consideration for some time, follows recommendations from the price fixation committee for a 10-15% hike. The proposal awaits final approval from Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. The government anticipates that the increased prices will generate an additional ₹150 crore in monthly revenue.

The news comes after beer prices had already been increased due to pressure from suppliers. Wine dealers are currently seeking clarification on whether the new prices will apply to existing stocks.

The move has drawn criticism from opposition leaders. Former minister T. Harish Rao of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) questioned the Congress government’s reliance on excise revenue, accusing them of “ruling the State only depending on beers and bars.” He further stated that the focus on increasing liquor prices was not the change Telangana expected with the new Chief Minister.

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