Jharkhand liquor prices revised

Liquor prices in Jharkhand are undergoing a major revision from today as the state’s new excise policy comes into effect. Under the Jharkhand Excise (Settlement and Operation of Shops for Retail Sale of Liquor) Rules, 2025, Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and beer will see a price hike, while Premium Foreign liquor (PFL) brands will become cheaper.

According to the new rates as reported, 750 ml bottles of IMFL have become costlier by around Rs 300, now priced between Rs 300 and Rs 2,200 depending on the brand. For 375 ml bottles, prices range from Rs 170 to Rs 1,300. Beer too has gone up by up to Rs 20, now retailing between Rs 150 and Rs 220. In contrast, premium foreign-made liquor (FMFL) has seen a price cut of up to Rs 6,600 per 750 ml bottle.

The revised policy shifts retail liquor sales to private players, ending the retail monopoly of the state-run Jharkhand State Beverages Corporation Limited (JSBCL) that had been in place since 2019. However, JSBCL will continue to control wholesale sales.

The excise department has set a revenue target of Rs 4,000 crore from retail liquor sales this financial year, of which Rs 2,000 crore has already been achieved between March and July.