In the three days leading up to Diwali on Sunday, residents of Delhi purchased approximately 64 lakh liquor bottles, amounting to a value of around INR 121 crore, as reported by officials. Official data indicates that the week preceding Diwali witnessed a sale of over one crore liquor bottles, contributing INR 234.15 crore to the government’s revenue.
“The sale of liquor picks up during festivals like Holi and Diwali in Delhi as it is not only bought for personal consumption and stocking but also for giving as gifts,” a senior excise department official said.
Official statistics reveal that the overall sales during the 17 days leading up to Diwali surpassed three crore bottles, generating a revenue of INR 525.84 crore.
Liquor sales gained momentum just before Diwali, with establishments selling 17.33 lakh, 18.89 lakh, and 27.89 lakh bottles on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, respectively. Officials noted that the shops were closed on Diwali, which was observed as a dry day.
The collective sale of more than 64 lakh bottles within three days resulted in a total revenue of INR 120.92 crore. In comparison, the preceding year witnessed the sale of 13.46 lakh, 15 lakh, and 19.39 lakh liquor bottles in the three days leading up to Diwali.
Officials reported a significant surge in liquor sales on the eve of Diwali, with a recorded bumper sale amounting to INR 53.89 lakh.
Officials noted a substantial increase in liquor sales in Delhi during the 17 days preceding Diwali this year, with the number surging from 2.11 crore bottles in 2022 to over three crore. This represents a remarkable 42 percent growth.
The average daily number of bottles sold during this festival period increased to 17.93 lakh, a notable rise from 12.44 lakh in 2022. This growth in average daily sales during this period amounted to 5.49 lakh bottles or 44 percent, according to officials.
Four Delhi government corporations operate more than 650 liquor stores in the national capital.
Prior to the festival season, the corporations were instructed to place orders and ensure ample stocking for Diwali sales, as stated by the excise department officer.