Goa, often renowned for its pristine beaches, also earns its reputation as the most budget-friendly destination for liquor enthusiasts. The state boasts the lowest liquor taxes in India, resulting in significantly lower prices compared to neighboring states like Karnataka and Maharashtra, said a new report.
According to a survey report by Times of India, a bottle of spirits that costs Rs 100 in Goa can be priced as high as Rs 134 in Delhi and a staggering Rs 513 in Karnataka, which imposes the highest levies among the major markets in the country.
The report, based on the survey by International Spirits and Wines Association of India, stated that while Goa’s levies stand at 49% of the Maximum Retail Price, they still remain considerably lower than Karnataka’s imposing 83% and Maharashtra’s substantial 71%.
The consequence of varying local taxes is a significant price disparity, exceeding 20% for popular Scotch brands between Delhi and Mumbai. For instance, a bottle of Black Label, priced at around Rs 3,100 in Delhi, commands approximately Rs 4,000 in Mumbai.
The report underlined that these disparities in tax rates are also a driving force behind the illicit trade of alcohol across state boundaries.
Unlike most goods and services, alcohol and petroleum remain outside the purview of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), resulting in a labyrinth of multiple levies and tax rates throughout the country.
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