With the new excise regime kicking in in the State from Monday, prices of various liquor brands are still being revised. While some prices of some brands were available on Monday, some more were added on Tuesday. The excise officials are hopeful of completing the process in the next few days.

According to excise officials, the entry level low price-high alcohol content drinks have seen an increase an increase in the range of ₹10 to ₹20 for 180 ml. The increase that is calculated to be around 20% will not affect the excise duty collection much, excise officials say, adding that despite the increase the low cost-high alcohol content drinks in Karnataka continue to be cheapest among the South Indian States.

On the other hand, the premium segment liquor is expected to see a price drop of up to ₹700 per bottle of 750 ml. “Expensive imported whisky will see the bigger drop compared to the IML. Overall, all premium segment liquors will cost less,” an official said.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Karnataka Wine Merchants Association said that their members were not able to lift the stock on Tuesday as well with new rates of many brands/ labels still not available. A member said that till late on Tuesday evening, they were not able to lift stock.

Excise officials attributed the delay to manufacturers not yet providing the rate list and alcohol in beverage (content of pure alcohol in the bottle). The excise duty and additional excise duty is calculated automatically without manual intervention only after the two details are provided.

When asked if there was any shortage in retail outlets, federation souces said that the retailers had stocked up well ahead of the new excise regime. “Stocks were lifted in April by most retailers that resulted in highest sales in April month in recent years. Basically, this was for profiteering,” an office-bearer said.

As per figures, 68.17 lakh carton boxes of IML was sold in April, 2026, against 57.55 lakh carton boxes sold in April, 2025. While 50.39 lakh cartons boxes of beer were sold in April, 2026, 41.60 lakh carton boxes were sold in April, 2025.