Delhi to continue past excise policy in financial year 2025-26

The Delhi government is expected to extend its existing excise policy for the financial year 2025-26, as a revised version is yet to be formulated, officials have indicated.

With the reins of Delhi now in the hands of the BJP—following its decisive victory over the previously dominant Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in last month’s Assembly elections—the excise portfolio is now overseen by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

“The new government has yet to make a decision on drafting a fresh excise policy. Given this, the current policy, which was already extended for 2024-25, is likely to remain in place for another year,” a senior Delhi government official stated.

Meanwhile, the excise department has directed the four state-run corporations handling liquor retail in the city to prepare for the summer season. They have been instructed to maintain adequate stock of various brands and prevent selective promotion of particular products.

The four corporations—Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation (DSCSC), Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC), and Delhi Consumers’ Cooperative Wholesale Store Limited (DCCWS)—jointly manage nearly 700 liquor outlets across the capital, selling Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL), imported liquor, beer, and other alcoholic beverages.

In the 2024-25 fiscal year, the government projected excise revenue of Rs 6,400 crore, having already generated Rs 4,233 crore in the first three quarters, according to officials.

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As temperatures rise, the excise department has also instructed retail outlets to ensure proper chilling facilities for beer stock to cater to increased summer demand.

(With inputs from PTI)