Why Did Liquor and Beer Prices Suddenly Rise Overnight in Punjab…

Chandigarh: In an unexpected move, the Punjab government has implemented a sudden price hike on liquor and beer, giving alcohol consumers a major jolt. The new prices came into effect overnight, catching both customers and vendors by surprise.

According to the revised excise policy, the cost of whisky, rum, vodka, and beer has gone up significantly, with some popular brands seeing an increase of ₹20 to ₹50 per bottle. Beer lovers were particularly shocked as pint prices increased by ₹10 to ₹15, depending on the brand.

The Punjab Excise Department stated that the hike is part of the new annual excise policy, aimed at increasing state revenue and curbing illegal liquor sales. However, no official notification or public communication was made in advance, leading to confusion among retailers and outrage among customers.

“It’s unfair to raise prices without any announcement. I came to buy my usual brand and was shocked to see the sudden increase,” said a customer in Ludhiana.

Liquor shop owners also expressed concern, claiming that overnight changes not only hurt consumer trust but also disrupt daily operations.

“We had no time to update our stock systems. Many customers thought we were overcharging them,” said a liquor vendor in Amritsar.

The price hike has also triggered political criticism. Opposition parties allege that the government is burdening the public to cover its fiscal gaps. Critics argue that the move might boost bootlegging and black marketing, especially in border areas where smuggling is already a concern.

On the other hand, officials defend the hike by pointing out that Punjab’s liquor rates were comparatively lower than neighboring states like Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, leading to heavy consumption and cross-border trafficking.

While the new rates have been officially published, vendors are demanding a grace period to implement the changes smoothly. Customers across major cities like Jalandhar, Patiala, Bathinda, and Mohali have already started reacting on social media, calling it a “nightmare for regular drinkers.”

It remains to be seen whether the Punjab government will offer any rollback or revision in response to the backlash.