Beer Sales Hit 23 Lakh Bottles a Day in April as Soaring Temperatures Lift Demand
HYDERABAD: Scorching summer heat and rising humidity have triggered a sharp surge in beer consumption across Telangana, with the state averaging nearly 23 lakh bottles per day in April. Excise department data shows over 55 lakh cases of beer were sold between April 1 and 29 this year, compared to 42 lakh cases during the same period in 2025, marking a steep year‑on‑year rise.
Each case contains 12 bottles of 750 ml, translating to 6.6 crore bottles consumed in April’s 29 days — an average of 22.75 lakh bottles daily. Officials said beer alone contributes more than 50 per cent of excise revenues during summer.
Liquor sales, however, saw only a marginal increase, with 26 lakh cases sold in April 2026 against 25 lakh cases last year. Combined beer and liquor sales generated ₹2,993 crore in April, up from ₹2,773 crore in 2025.
The upward trend has been consistent since January. Beer sales rose from 31 lakh cases in January 2025 to 34 lakh in 2026, jumped from 28 lakh to 38 lakh in February, and hit a five‑year high in March with 50.78 lakh cases, sharply up from 30 lakh last year. Urban centres, especially Hyderabad, drove the surge as temperatures climbed past 40°C.
Despite higher prices, demand has remained strong, reshaping drinking patterns in favour of beer over Indian Made Foreign Liquor. Excise officials noted IMFL sales dipped 2.5 per cent in March, even as total liquor revenues touched ₹3,845 crore, including record single‑day sales worth ₹410.87 crore on March 31.
With summer expected to persist until June, beer companies have stepped up production to ensure uninterrupted supply.
