New Delhi: Prices of some premium Scotch whisky in Delhi could fall by 10-15% after a reduction in import duty on UK-origin liquor, although the final benefit to consumers will depend on the state government’s review of retail pricing, an official said on Sunday.
Officials said the new prices could be announced by the end of October. In neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, revised prices of several UK-origin liquor brands are expected on October 10, with reductions for some premium labels estimated at 5-15%.
The excise department is analysing prices, and the final decision will be taken once the excise commissioner is appointed, according to the official. The official said the Delhi Excise Department had directed wholesale liquor licence holders (L-1F) to apply for a revision of the maximum retail price (MRP) of imported liquor brands affected by CETA.
“The final decision will be taken once the commissioner is appointed. The government does not want to rush into the decision. There is an existing stock in the market.
If the prices get revised, the new stock will come with a low price tag,” the official said, on the condition of anonymity. As the old stock will be difficult to sell if prices are revised, the department may set a cut-off date for the availability of new stock at lower prices, the official said. A second official said that the excise department is studying how the revised tariff structure will affect liquor prices in the Capital.
