Jaipur: Whisky lovers in the state may soon have a reason to raise a toast. Prices of Bottled-in-Origin (BIO) imported liquor are expected to decline as fresh consignments arrive under the revised import duty regime, making several premium Scotch whiskies more affordable for consumers.The expected price reduction follows the implementation of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which came into effect on July 15. Under the agreement, India has reduced the basic customs duty on UK-origin whisky and gin from 150% to 75% with immediate effect.Since most premium imported whiskies sold in India are Scotch whiskies distilled in Scotland, the reduction is expected to lower the landed cost of fresh imports. Popular brands likely to become cheaper include Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Johnnie Walker, Glenfiddich, The Glenlivet and The Macallan.“The duty reduction became effective from July 15. Fresh consignments will arrive under the revised tax structure, and prices will be revised once the new stocks reach the market. We expect retail prices to fall by around 20%-25%,” said president of the Rajasthan Liquor Welfare Association Nilesh Mewra.The association welcomed the move but urged the Rajasthan govt to rationalise state taxes on premium Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), particularly Indian whiskies, to ensure domestic brands remain competitive.“If Chivas Regal or 100 Pipers are priced close to premium Indian whiskies, consumers are likely to prefer imported Scotch. The state should also reduce taxes on Indian premium brands to create a level playing field,” Mewra said.Industry representatives also believe the duty cut could help Rajasthan retain consumers who currently buy premium liquor from neighbouring states, where prices are lower.“Many buyers source premium liquor from Gurgaon because of lower prices. If the gap narrows after the duty revision, more consumers may choose to buy in Rajasthan. However, prices here are still unlikely to match Gurgaon, where rates are also expected to decline,” said liquor vendor Amit Sharma.
