EXCISE POLICY
While the world nursed a hangover, India ordered another round
India’s alcohol consumption rose 10% in the first half of 2026, even as volumes across 21 major markets fell 1%, according to IWSR data shared with TOI. The US and China recorded declines of 4% and 3%, respectively. India was the only market among those tracked to report growth across every beverage category and subcategory.
Gas prices in the US are nearly half of Europe's: Why are American drivers paying so much less?
American motorists are currently paying much less for fuel compared to drivers in the European Union. The average petrol price in the EU is almost double that of the US, highlighting significant market differences. Higher taxation in Europe contributes to this price discrepancy, making it important for consumers to understand. Diesel costs also reflect a noticeable difference, though the gap is smaller than for petrol.
Prices of premium Scotch set to fall in Delhi after customs duty cut on British spirits
Prices for premium Scotch whiskies in Delhi are expected to decline shortly due to changes in customs duty. The reduction in import duty follows the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between India and the UK. Initially, the duty on British spirits will decrease from 150 to 75 percent, further dropping to 40 percent over the next ten years.
Mass brands give liquor companies a hangover
"It is difficult to pinpoint the reasons for the slowdown, even in states such as Uttar Pradesh which had recorded strong growth earlier," said Amar Sinha, managing director of Allied Blenders and Distillers (ABD), maker of Officer's Choice whisky. There are "no clear factors explaining the weakness," he said.
United Spirits’ popular segment sales fall 22.7% as state policies squeeze margins
United Spirits reported a 22.7% decline in its popular liquor segment sales during Q2 FY2027. The decline was attributed to increased taxes on non-local brands in Maharashtra and excise duty changes in Karnataka. While the overall net sales value rose 2.8% year-on-year, the popular segment's issues highlight regulatory pressure. The premium and luxury liquor segments continued to drive growth amid these challenges.
Ladakh has only one operational liquor shop, LG Admin rebuts Sonam Wangchuk's claims
Sonam Wangchuk has raised concerns over the increase in liquor outlets in Ladakh, leading to protests by women. The UT administration responded by rejecting his claims as false and cautioned against spreading rumors. Wangchuk alleged that liquor shops were being opened despite local opposition, particularly near schools. The administration clarified that only one liquor shop is operational and the new Excise Policy was rolled back after public feedback.
1st batch of Agniveers retiring soon: What's the retirement money, career options and benefits they will get
By 2026, approximately 18,300 Agniveers will finish their service in the armed forces, marking a pivotal transition. To ease their shift into civilian life, numerous states have initiated job quotas specifically for ex-Agniveers across different uniformed services and police departments. These initiatives stem from the Agnipath scheme launched in June 2022, which focuses on enlisting younger individuals in military roles.
EC issues guidelines for officers' transfer or posting ahead of UP polls
The Election Commission has released guidelines for transferring officials engaged in election-related duties. These guidelines aim to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process for the upcoming 2027 Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly Polls. Officers who have served in the same district for three years must be transferred out. A report detailing actions taken must be submitted to the Election Commission by November 30.
West Asia crisis so far may cost govt Rs 1.35 lakh crore, spending cuts unlikely: ICRA Chief Economist Aditi Nayar
The West Asia crisis may impose a fiscal burden of approximately Rs 1.35 lakh crore on India. Government spending has generally remained below budget estimates, providing financial flexibility for these pressures. Higher customs duty collections from gold and silver imports might help offset some costs. ICRA anticipates GDP growth to remain robust, exceeding 7 percent in the second quarter of FY27.
After flat Indian-Made Liquor sales in April-Sep period, industry body warns Karnataka of harm to revenue
The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies opposes Karnataka's increased taxation on Indian-Made Liquor. Recent data shows steady revenue growth for IML, despite lower volume increases. Meanwhile, beer consumption has surged, but tax revenues remain low, causing concern among industry stakeholders. CIABC suggests a more balanced taxation approach between different alcoholic beverages. This situation highlights the importance of revising alcohol-related policy based on actual consumption patterns.
IMFL segment: Premium products share expected to hit 35-36 pc in 3-4 years, says industry
The India-UK Free Trade Agreement, which became effective from July this year, is supporting premiumisation in the domestic spirits market by making bulk Scotch imports more affordable for Indian manufacturers, ISWAI CEO Sanjit Padhi told.
Karnataka liquor volumes flat in H1 as beer gets three cheers
Karnataka observed significant growth in beer sales, rising by 41% in the first half of the fiscal year. Indian-made liquor sales, however, remained stable with a mere 1% increase during the same period. Revenue from beer and Indian-made liquor combined reached Rs 22,192 crore, reflecting a 13% growth year-on-year. Domestic liquor manufacturers had concerns regarding the regulatory framework that affected consumption patterns.
Trump opens tax-free use of 'red' diesel to all as Republicans face midterm heat
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in Nebraska that aims to ease tax limits on diesel fuel. This decision is intended to save farmers millions of dollars and reduce the cost of goods. Trump emphasized that the move would benefit many, including truckers who would save over $100 per fill-up. As he campaigned for the upcoming elections, he expressed confidence in local GOP candidates.
India imports 50% of gas needs, targets 10X CBG output: Hardeep Singh Puri
India's Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri emphasized the need for enhanced domestic energy production. Rising energy demand, outpacing the global average, requires India to become less reliant on imports. The government is implementing a new compressed biogas framework to increase domestic production significantly.
New liquor shops to keep 500-metre distance from schools, religious sites in West Bengal
West Bengal has tightened the norms for opening new retail liquor outlets, increasing the minimum distance from schools, colleges and religious institutions to 500 metres in municipal areas and 1 km in other locations. The earlier limit was 300 metres. The revised rule will apply only to new outlets, leaving existing liquor shops unaffected.
Crude surged. Why didn’t India’s petrol prices?
As the West Asia conflict drove up oil costs, India kept a much larger rise from reaching the pump. This explainer dives into how protection came from diversified supplies, a tax cut, losses absorbed by fuel retailers and an ethanol programme built before the crisis.
Uttar Pradesh has emerged as preferred investment destination: Goyal
Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a preferred investment destination, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said, citing favourable industrial policies, rising revenues and growing interest from major companies. The state, which currently exports around Rs 2 lakh crore annually, is targeting Rs 5 lakh crore by 2030 as it seeks to attract more global investment and strengthen tourism and local brands.
US to ban diesel exports? Trump weighs drastic move as White House tells Ted Cruz ‘no’: Report
The White House has assured Senator Ted Cruz that the Trump administration will not impose a blanket ban on US diesel exports, Bloomberg reported, even as President Donald Trump weighs restrictions to curb record diesel prices. The administration is also considering measures involving tax-exempt red diesel and biofuel blending rules.
ETMarkets Smart Talk | 2-year bonds attractive, long end risky: Apoorva Javadekar’s fixed-income playbook
While the recent rise in yields may make short-tenor bonds more attractive, the long end remains vulnerable to global rate pressures and domestic fiscal risks. Apoorva Javadekar, Chief Economist at Shriram Group, believes the 2-year segment offers a relatively attractive entry point, while investors should remain cautious on long-duration bonds.
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