Beer price goes up by Rs 5 across Maharashtra as manufacturers pass on rising costs to consumers

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Beer has become costlier across Maharashtra, with leading manufacturers increasing retail prices by Rs5 per bottle, can or unit over the past fortnight, after the state excise department approved the hike citing rising production, packaging and transport costs.The price revision comes even as the industry recorded strong growth, with excise collections rising sharply during peak summer months.“The beer industry had demanded a Rs 5 MRP hike due to rising production costs by around Rs 1.5 per unit. The sector has shown strong resilience, with revenue collections increasing to Rs 779 crore in April-May 2026 from Rs 648 crore during the corresponding period last year. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar continues to be a major hub of the state’s beer industry,” state excise superintendent Abhinav Balure said.Officials said the increase was driven by higher costs of glass bottles, tin cans, fuel and logistics. Though the production cost rose by around Rs 1.5 per unit, Maharashtra’s steep taxation, nearly 235% on beer and liquor, magnified the retail impact, resulting in a Rs 5 hike for consumers.The timing of the increase coincided with rising fuel prices, further inflating transportation and distribution expenses.

Industry representatives had flagged these pressures while seeking permission to revise MRPs.Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, which accounts for nearly 85% of Maharashtra’s beer manufacturing, remains central to the supply chain. The region had earlier faced concerns over packaging shortages due to disruptions in natural gas supply, which threatened glass bottle production during the high-demand summer season.Despite these challenges, manufacturers managed to maintain steady production and supply, ensuring no major shortages in the market.Interestingly, the price rise has not dampened demand. Excise data shows Maharashtra earned Rs 779 crore in April-May this year, up from Rs 648 crore in the same period last year. This is an increase of Rs 111 crore driven by robust consumption even at higher prices.