Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan has directed Excise Department officials to crack down on liquor shops charging prices above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP), calling the practice a clear violation of rules and a blow to the credibility of the government.

In a post on X on February 3, Kalyan said he had received complaints from across the State, including Kakinada district, alleging that certain outlets were selling liquor at inflated rates. Similar grievances, he noted, had been reported from several other districts.

After reviewing the complaints, the Deputy Chief Minister made it clear that liquor retailers must strictly adhere to government-prescribed pricing norms. “Selling liquor above MRP is not only against the rules but also damages the credibility of the government,” he observed, underlining that enforcement cannot be lax in a regulated sector like excise.

He instructed officials to maintain continuous surveillance of liquor outlets statewide and to initiate stringent action against shop owners found violating pricing norms. Enforcement, he emphasised, must be firm, consistent and visible to deter repeat offences. The State government, he asserted, would not tolerate deviations from prescribed rules and remains committed to ensuring transparency and compliance in the excise system.

Andhra Pradesh’s evolving excise landscape

The warning comes at a time when Andhra Pradesh’s excise policy is under renewed scrutiny. Over the past few years, the State has maintained tight control over the retail liquor trade, with the government playing a dominant role in retail operations and pricing structures. The policy framework has aimed at regulating consumption, curbing illicit trade, and increasing revenue mobilisation through calibrated pricing and monitored distribution.

Excise remains one of the State’s largest sources of tax revenue. In 2025, the state’s excise revenue was projected to reach  ₹33,882 crore. The excise revenue has seen a rise due to increased liquor sales and a new excise policy implemented in 2024. Periodic revisions in duty structure and retail pricing have been used both to shore up revenues and to streamline the product mix available in government-run outlets.

In recent policy cycles, the government has sought to balance revenue considerations with consumer transparency. Measures have included clearer display of MRP at retail counters, digitised billing systems in many outlets, and tighter monitoring of supply chains to prevent diversion and overcharging. Officials have also indicated that enforcement drives would focus on ensuring that consumers are not charged beyond the printed price, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas where monitoring gaps can emerge.

The latest directive from the Deputy Chief Minister signals a push to reinforce consumer-friendly practices within the existing framework. By stressing strict adherence to MRP and continuous surveillance, the government appears keen to send a message that revenue generation cannot come at the cost of regulatory discipline or public trust.

With complaints surfacing from multiple districts, the coming weeks are likely to see intensified inspections and possible penalties for errant retailers, as the administration seeks to tighten compliance across Andhra Pradesh’s vast excise network. ————-