Assam: Excise department announces significant hike in alcohol prices from April 1

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• Mar 26, 2024 | Pinaki Goswami

This announcement is devastating for the state's alcohol customers...

Digital Desk: A huge increase in alcohol prices is scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2024, according to the excise agency. This announcement is devastating for the state's alcohol customers.

The amendment includes ad-valorem duties on several brands of foreign liquor, beer, wine, and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages made in India for public consumption as well as consumption through paramilitary wholesale warehouses and bonded warehouses operated by Canteen Stores Depot (CSD). 

Here's a breakdown of the revised ad-valorem levies: 

For Civil Consumption:

Beer: Draught beer containing alcohol up to 5% v/v: Ad-valorem levy ranges from 0.73 to 0.88 times the assessed value, with a minimum of Rs. 33 to Rs. 43 per bottle of 650 ml.

Beer containing alcohol above 5%: Ad-valorem levy ranges from 0.88 to 0.88 times the assessed value, with a minimum of Rs. 43 per bottle of 650 ml.

India-Made Spirits: Various categories including General Brand, Regular Brand, Luxury Brand, Elegant Brand, Premium Brand, and Classic Premium Brand, with ad-valorem levies ranging from 0.66 to 1.32 times the assessed value, and minimum prices per bottle ranging from Rs. 130 to Rs. 530 for 750 ml bottles.

Ready-to-Drink Alcoholic Beverages: Ad-valorem levy at 0.44 times the assessed value, with a minimum of Rs. 14 per bottle of 275 ml.

Wines: Ad-valorem levy at 0.25 times the assessed value, with a minimum of Rs. 43 per bottle of 750 ml.

For Consumption through CSD and Paramilitary Warehouses:

Beer: Draught beer containing alcohol up to 5% v/v: Ad-valorem levy at 0.53 times the CSD cost price, with a minimum of Rs. 16 per bottle of 650 ml.

Beer containing alcohol above 5%: Ad-valorem levy at 0.63 times the CSD cost price, with a minimum of Rs. 20 per bottle of 650 ml.

India-Made Spirits: Similar categories as for civil consumption, with ad-valorem levies ranging from 0.60 to 0.96 times the CSD cost price, and minimum prices per bottle ranging from Rs. 60 to Rs. 262 for 750 ml bottles.

Ready-to-Drink Alcoholic Beverages: Ad-valorem levy at 0.40 times the CSD cost price, with a minimum of Rs. 10 per bottle of 275 ml.

Wines: Ad-valorem levy at 0.75 times the CSD cost price, with a minimum of Rs. 60 per bottle of 750 ml.

With these revisions, consumers are likely to face a considerable increase in alcohol prices, impacting both social and economic dynamics within the state.