Delhi Govt data reveals ₹5,000 cr liquor tax collection, ₹210 cr from milk sales in 2024-25

The Delhi government has reported a tax collection of ₹5,068.92 crore from liquor sales in the financial year 2024-25, while tax revenue from milk and milk products stood at ₹209.9 crore. These figures, recorded till February 2025, were disclosed in response to a question by BJP MLA Abhay Verma in the Delhi Assembly. The data highlights the significant difference in revenue generated from liquor compared to essential commodities like milk.

According to government records, 21.27 crore litres of alcohol were sold in Delhi in 2023-24, translating to an average daily sale of 5.82 lakh litres. In contrast, liquor sales in 2022-23 stood at 25.84 crore litres. The excise and VAT collection from alcohol has shown fluctuations over the past years, with ₹5,164 crore collected in 2023-24, ₹5,547 crore in 2022-23, and ₹5,487 crore in 2021-22. The government’s data also noted that only private shops were allowed to sell alcohol under the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) now-scrapped liquor policy from November 2021 to August 2022. After the policy was scrapped in September 2022, government-run liquor stores were allowed to operate again.

The liquor policy has remained a major subject of political debate, with the BJP targeting AAP over an alleged scam linked to its implementation. Former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia were arrested in connection with the case but were later granted bail. The policy, which aimed to reform alcohol sales and increase government revenue, was revoked following alleged irregularities. The government has since returned to the old system, where both private and government liquor shops operate in the city.

Meanwhile, GST collections from milk and milk products have declined over the years. The government’s data shows that Delhi earned ₹300 crore from milk sales in 2023-24 and ₹365 crore in 2022-23. Despite milk being a widely consumed commodity, its tax revenue remains significantly lower than that of alcohol. The government did not specify reasons for the decline in GST collection from milk sales over the past two years.

The latest figures provide insight into Delhi’s tax revenue structure, showing that liquor sales remain one of the largest contributors to state revenue. The excise department continues to oversee liquor regulation and taxation, while discussions around the impact of past and present policies on government earnings remain ongoing. The Delhi government has yet to announce any changes to the current liquor policy.