Delhi witnessed a significant surge in liquor sales leading up to Diwali this year, with official data revealing sales worth ₹589.17 crore in the two weeks before the festival. This figure marks a substantial 13% increase compared to the ₹518.97 crore recorded during the same period last year, according to information from PTI.
During this festive fortnight, approximately 3.31 crore liquor bottles were sold across the capital, up from 2.96 crore bottles sold in the previous year's pre-Diwali period.
Diwali Eve Sees Boost Despite Dry Day
The demand for alcoholic beverages peaked sharply on November 7, the day before Diwali. Delhi's liquor sales on this single day reached ₹79.25 crore, with 40.45 lakh bottles purchased. This is a noticeable jump from the ₹63.40 crore and 34.70 lakh bottles sold on Diwali eve last year.
It is important to note that Diwali itself was observed as a dry day in Delhi, with all liquor establishments closed across the city as per an order from the Excise Department.
Overall Revenue Growth for 2026
Beyond the immediate festive period, the overall revenue from liquor sales so far in 2026 has shown robust growth. Officials indicate that total sales have reached ₹792.52 crore, a 24.9% increase over the ₹634.08 crore generated in 2025 during the corresponding period.
Government-Controlled Retail System
Delhi's liquor retail sector operates predominantly under government control. Sales of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL), foreign liquor, and beer are managed by four state-run corporations: the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC), Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation (DSCSC), and Delhi Consumers' Cooperative Wholesale Store (DCCWS).
These corporations oversee more than 700 liquor vends throughout Delhi, with the Delhi Excise Department regulating all aspects of liquor manufacturing, possession, transport, sale, and consumption under the Delhi Excise Act, 2009. The department also issues and regulates necessary licenses.
Digital Monitoring Ensures Transparency
To ensure transparency and efficient oversight, the Excise Department employs digital systems to track liquor sales and revenue. This includes a comprehensive supply chain monitoring system that traces individual liquor bottles, aiding authorities in observing their movement and sale across the city.
The department has clarified that these festive sales figures are provisional and will undergo final reconciliation after data from the four liquor corporations is fully confirmed.