Over time, the offer of cheaper alcohol has been legally beneficial to Gurugram over Delhi. It is quite the norm for those who visit Gurugram to immediately understand that they are buying the same bottle of alcohol at a much cheaper price than their Yashwant Place friends in the capital are.  Starting in 2025, the Delhi population may have a reprieve under the Delhi government's new liquor policy, which is in its drafting stage at present. 

This article highlights all the relevant details related to the changes, the high alcohol prices, and where the Delhi consumer will fit into all of this in the future.

Why Delhi’s Alcohol Prices Are Higher Than Gurugram

The main factor driving higher liquor prices in Delhi is the cap on the amount of profit retailers are allowed to keep. Currently, this amounts to a maximum of INR 50 per bottle of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and INR 100 for foreign liquor as of 2025, according to government regulations.

The price cap is meant to control pricing and curb excessive profit taking. However, this has meant retailers cannot adjust pricing, offer discounts, or introduce more premium products into the market, which is why residents of Delhi are likely paying more than residents of Gurugram, for instance.

In comparison, Gurugram's alcohol market operates in a different way. Private retailers pay significant amounts at the time of obtaining licenses and can even have an audience as low as INR 20 crores in certain circumstances, and therefore, can afford to provide discounts and price competitiveness to customers.

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What the New Delhi Liquor Policy 2025 Proposes

Since early October 2025, the excise committee under the leadership of minister Parvesh Sahib Singh has been holding meetings to formulate a “transparent and socially secure” liquor policy. The policy is anticipated to be completed by November 2025, and discussions have highlighted:

• Fixed retail margins and pricing
  
  
• Excise duty adjustments
  
  
• Legal drinking age for beer
  
  
• Availability of premium and imported liquor brands
  

By addressing these areas, the government aims to make alcohol in Delhi more affordable and accessible, potentially matching the price standards in neighboring NCR cities.

The Role of Premium Liquor and Private Shops

An unintended consequence of Delhi's existing policy is that premium imported liquor is hard to come by. The large number of government-run stores, 700+, tend to devote their shelves to less known brands that retail for less than INR 600. The absence of private liquor stores has solidified this monopoly, resulting in limited choice for consumers. 

The new policy proposal reportedly would discuss reopening private liquor stores to alleviate choice. A move to reintroduce private liquor stores would not only result in more availability of higher end brands, but it would also create a competitive retail environment that could drive prices down further.

Could the Drinking Age Change?

Another issue being debated relates to the legal age to consume beer. Presently set at 25 in Delhi, there are reports of the government contemplating bringing it down to 21. Officials have confirmed, however, that there has not been any consensus, so that change is only speculation.

How Delhi Could Achieve Price Parity With Gurugram

If the proposed policy adjustments go through, Delhi could see:

1. Lower retail prices because of adjusted margins and excise duty.
   
   
2. Increased access to premium and imported liquor due to the return of private stores.
   
   
3. Greater consumer choice, with discounts and promotions more feasible in a flexible retail environment.

Essentially, Delhi residents could soon enjoy the same alcohol prices and variety as Gurugram, ending the long-standing cost disparity between the two cities.

Economic and Consumer Implications

A revised liquor policy could benefit multiple stakeholders:

• Consumers: A drop in prices, expanded choice, and improved access to premium brands.
  
  
• Retailers: Owned liquor stores may increase sales, as well as the flexibility to be competitive with pricing.
  
  
• Government: Possible rise in revenues from license fees or excise taxes, and perhaps losses from the monopolized system would decrease.

While challenges remain, such as maintaining regulatory oversight and ensuring social security,  the policy seems poised to strike a balance between affordability and responsibility.

Conclusion

Delhi's 2025 liquor policy indicates a potential sea change for how alcohol is consumed in the city. The government's focus on relaxing retail margin caps, private shops returning to the fold, and a potential drinking age shift are ushering in a greater availability of cheaper alcohol, putting Delhi in better competition with its NCR neighbors.

It's uncertain if these changes will happen completely by November 2025, but the policy does provide consumers with optimism and an exciting new chapter for the liquor market in Delhi. 

What are your thoughts on the changes as proposed? Is it time for regular liquor prices in Delhi to be the same as in Gurugram, or will other complications continue to keep bottles expensive? Let us know in the comments.

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