Alcohol prices in Bengal to rise from December 1 as government imposes new excise duty

Alcohol prices in West Bengal are set to rise from December 1, following a fresh notification from the State Excise Department. The department announced that additional excise duty will come into effect from that date, leading to an increase in prices of both domestic and foreign liquor. Retailers have been instructed to sell alcohol at the current rate only until November 30.

Distributors and wholesalers have already been directed to implement the revised rates from December 1. The department clarified that the increase will affect all categories of liquor, not just beer. This decision, coming months before the assembly elections, is being viewed as a significant fiscal move by the state government.

Political observers believe that the hike aims to bolster state revenue, especially as the government continues to fund multiple social welfare projects. Reports suggest that the state’s treasury has been under pressure and loans have been taken from the market to sustain these initiatives. The rise in liquor prices is seen as a possible way to ease financial strain and ensure continued funding for welfare schemes.

Excise officials, however, said it is too early to predict the exact impact of the price hike on revenue collection. They expect the results to be visible only after a month of implementation. Political circles believe the timing is crucial, as the state government may soon announce new public welfare programs ahead of the assembly polls.