Liquor Sales Surge in Telangana Ahead of Dussehra Festival

 

Liquor Sales Surge in Telangana Ahead of Dussehra Festival

As the Dussehra festival approaches, liquor sales in Telangana have surged dramatically. Retailers are preparing for high demand by stocking up 25% to 50% more liquor than usual. On a single day, liquor worth ₹200 crore was transferred, and sales are expected to double over the weekend. This article delves into the reasons behind the increasing liquor consumption and stockpiling across the state.

Surge in Liquor Stocks Ahead of Dussehra

In preparation for the Dussehra festival, Telangana shopkeepers have significantly increased their liquor stocks, anticipating a sharp rise in demand. With 2,620 liquor stores and more than a thousand bars, pubs, and clubs across the state, the surge in sales is evident. On Friday alone, official data revealed that ₹200 crore worth of liquor was transferred from stock depots to retail outlets, bars, and pubs.

Huge Weekend Sales Expected

Each liquor store typically maintains a stock valued between ₹30 lakh and ₹40 lakh. On regular days, daily sales range from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh per store. However, the Telangana excise department predicts a doubling of sales over the weekend, especially on Saturday and Sunday. According to the Telangana Wines Association, many retailers have increased their stock by an additional ₹10 lakh in liquor, preparing for the anticipated holiday rush.

A Year of Record Sales

Official statistics indicate a notable rise in liquor sales in Telangana this year. From January 1st to October 10th, 2.88 crore cases of liquor worth ₹28,881.65 crore, and 4.26 crore cases of beer were sold. In comparison, during the same period last year, the sales were 2.71 crore cases of liquor and 4.26 crore cases of beer, worth ₹27,529.49 crore. Between October 1st and 11th alone, 10.44 lakh cases of liquor and 17.59 lakh cases of beer, worth ₹1,057.42 crore, were sold. On Friday, 2.08 lakh cases of liquor and 3.07 lakh cases of beer, valued at ₹205.42 crore, were transferred from excise depots to retailers.

Hyderabad Sales Expected to Decline

Telangana currently has approximately ₹1,500 crore worth of liquor in stock across its 2,620 liquor stores and over a thousand bars, restaurants, pubs, and clubs. Typically, 70% of the state's liquor sales occur in Hyderabad and its surrounding districts. However, with many Hyderabad residents traveling to their hometowns for Dussehra celebrations, sales in the city are expected to decline. At the same time, districts outside the city are likely to see a boost in liquor sales as people celebrate the festival in their hometowns.