Scotch whisky in Delhi may get cheaper after Diwali as excise department begins price revision

Scotch whisky prices in Delhi could decline by around 7% following a reduction in import duty under the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with the city's excise department initiating the process to revise liquor prices, according to a report by The Times of India.

The proposed price revision is expected to cover several popular imported brands, including Johnnie Walker Black Label, Double Black and Red Label, as well as Glenfiddich 12 Years.

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A senior excise department official told TOI, “The price revision is likely to be considered for approval soon. Initially, liquor at modified prices will be supplied to the HCR (hotels, clubs and restaurants) segment, followed by retail liquor vends. The transition to retail outlets will take some time.”

The development follows India's decision to reduce customs duty on Scotch whisky bottled in the UK to 75% from 150% under the India-UK FTA, which came into effect on July 15, 2026. The duty is scheduled to decline further to 40% over the next 10 years.

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In September, Delhi's excise department had asked wholesalers to submit revised cost cards and applications seeking lower maximum retail prices (MRPs).

Several states, including Goa, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, have already revised liquor prices following the duty reduction. The extent of the cuts varies across brands and states, depending on their cost structures and applicable local taxes.

However, the revised prices in Delhi will depend on the clearance of existing inventories and the arrival of fresh stocks carrying the updated rates.

An industry insider told TOI, “The revision of prices of imported BIO (bottled-in-origin) liquor products will come into effect only after the existing stocks clear out. The impact on retail prices is expected to be around 7%. The revised-price stocks will enter the market once the existing inventory is exhausted, which is likely to happen after at least the next two weeks.”

The transition could therefore take a few weeks, with the revised rates expected to become available at retail outlets after the initial rollout.

“According to our expectations, the prices of a bouquet of Scotch brands may drop after Diwali but before the wedding season,” an industry insider told TOI.

The timing would place the expected price reduction ahead of the wedding season, when demand for premium liquor typically picks up.

(With inputs from TOI)