Delhi is likely to notify its new excise policy in October, with proposed changes to liquor retail margins, excise duty and the availability of premium liquor across the capital, according to a report by Millennium Post – Delhi.
The proposed framework is expected to retain the government-controlled retail model. There is no immediate plan to allow private players to enter Delhi’s liquor retail sector. The final proposal will be placed before the Delhi Cabinet and Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu for approval after the new excise officer assumes charge.
The policy is expected to revise the fixed retail margins currently applied to government-run liquor shops and examine changes to excise duty. Officials cited the limited availability of premium imported brands as one of the issues under review, particularly for products priced above Rs.1,000.
According to the report, the existing margin structure has made it difficult for government outlets to stock some premium products. The price gap with neighbouring Haryana cities is also part of the policy discussion. A premium whisky brand that may cost around Rs.3,500 in Delhi can reportedly be available for about Rs.2,400 in Gurugram, where retailers operate without the same fixed-margin structure.
The proposed changes are intended to improve the commercial viability of premium liquor sales in Delhi and encourage government-run outlets to upgrade their retail offering. The plan also includes increasing the number of premium liquor outlets in the capital, although the report does not specify the proposed number or the locations of such stores.
The policy process is linked to the appointment of a new excise commissioner. Officials are expected to finalise the proposal after the new officer assumes charge, followed by consideration by the Delhi Cabinet and the Lieutenant Governor. The government is working towards completing the process ahead of the peak festive season in October.
The proposed framework would therefore preserve state control over liquor retail while changing how products are priced and stocked within that system. Until the Cabinet and Lieutenant Governor approve the proposal, the reported changes to margins, excise duty and premium outlet availability remain subject to revision.
