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

Liquor prices in Hyderabad, Telangana, are expected to rise significantly on Monday, May 20, 2025. The expected increase is around ₹40 per full bottle, ₹20 for a half bottle, and ₹10 for a quarter bottle. While no official announcement has been made, the unavailability of the excise department’s website suggests updates are being made to reflect the new prices. The price hike, recommended by the price fixation committee and awaiting the Chief Minister’s approval, aims to generate an additional ₹150 crore in monthly revenue. Beer prices have already increased, and wine dealers are uncertain about the applicability of the hike to existing stock. Former minister T. Harish Rao criticized the Congress government’s reliance on excise revenue, questioning if the administration is excessively dependent on liquor sales for its finances.

**News Article:**

**Hyderabad Braces for Soaring Liquor Prices**

**Hyderabad, May 19, 2025** – Liquor consumers in Hyderabad are bracing for a significant price hike expected to take effect on Monday. Sources within the excise department indicate that prices are likely to increase by approximately ₹40 for a full bottle, ₹20 for a half bottle, and ₹10 for a quarter bottle of liquor.

While no official announcement has been released, the excise department’s website went offline on Sunday, fueling speculation that it is being updated with the revised rates. A senior official acknowledged that a 10-15% price increase had been recommended by the price fixation committee and is awaiting approval from Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.

The price hike is projected to generate an additional ₹150 crore in monthly revenue for the state. Beer prices have already increased recently, following pressure from suppliers. Wine dealers, however, remain uncertain about whether the new prices will apply to existing stocks or only fresh inventory.

The move has drawn criticism from the opposition. T. Harish Rao, a senior leader of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and former minister, accused the Congress government of relying excessively on excise revenue to fund its administration. He questioned whether the government’s focus on increasing liquor prices demonstrates a lack of alternative revenue generation strategies.

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