Punjab’s Excise Department has achieved a record-breaking milestone, generating Rs 9,878 crore through the online auction of 207 retail excise groups for the financial year 2025-26. Announcing the success, Finance, Planning, Excise, and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday said that the department surpassed the reserve price of Rs 9,017 crore by 9.5 percent, reinforcing Punjab’s leadership in excise sector modernization and revenue generation.
With the total excise revenue expected to cross Rs 11,500 crore, this marked one of the most significant financial achievements in Punjab’s liquor trade. Cheema attributed this success to the progressive and stakeholder-centric approach of the state Excise Policy 2025-26, which prioritizes transparency, consumer welfare, and regulatory integrity.
The auction process, which began on March 5 and concluded on April 2, witnessed enthusiastic participation from stakeholders, reflecting strong market confidence in the state’s liquor policy. All 207 excise groups were successfully allotted, ensuring seamless liquor trade operations across Punjab.
Cheema highlighted that Punjab’s excise policies continue to set industry benchmarks, ensuring high-quality liquor availability at competitive prices while streamlining supply chains and maximizing revenue. He emphasized that the policy's structured approach has enhanced market efficiency, defined revenue targets, and established clear distribution channels.
The Finance Minister also commended excise officials for their proactive enforcement against illicit liquor and smuggling, both within Punjab and across state borders. He noted that the use of cutting-edge technology in monitoring and enforcement has bolstered stakeholder trust and strengthened coordination between the Excise Department, Police, and Civil Authorities. “Our commitment to curbing illegal liquor trade has resulted in a transparent and well-regulated ecosystem, further boosting investor confidence,” he said.
Reaffirming Punjab’s position as a frontrunner in excise management, Cheema said that this year's milestone achievement sets a new benchmark for modernization, revenue generation, and governance in the sector. “This success is a testament to Punjab’s ability to balance economic growth with regulatory discipline, ensuring a thriving and accountable excise industry that benefits both the government and consumers,” he concluded.
