Punjab Excise Department Achieves Historic Rs. 9,878 Crore in Online Auction for FY 2025-26: Harpal Cheema
Total Excise Revenue for 2025-26 Projected to Exceed Rs. 11,500 Crore
Chandigarh, April 3
Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise, and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema proudly announced the completion of the allotment process for 207 Retail Excise Groups for the financial year 2025-26. The online auction, which began on March 5, 2025, and concluded on April 2, 2025, achieved a record-breaking annual license fee of Rs. 9,878 crore, surpassing the reserve price of Rs. 9,017 crore by 9.5%. This remarkable outcome underscores a historic milestone for the Punjab Excise Department.
In a press communiqué issued today, Finance Minister Cheema highlighted that all 207 retail excise groups were successfully allotted through a transparent online auction process, which witnessed enthusiastic participation from stakeholders. He credited this unprecedented success to the progressive and stakeholder-friendly Excise Policy 2025-26, designed to promote a fair, transparent, and well-regulated liquor trade in the state.
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The Finance Minister revealed that the total excise revenue for the fiscal year 2025-26 is expected to exceed Rs. 11,500 crore. He attributed this achievement to the department’s strategic policy framework, which clearly outlines revenue targets, establishes efficient market channels, and optimizes supply chain operations. “Punjab’s forward-thinking excise policy ensures the availability of high-quality liquor at competitive prices, striking a balance between revenue generation and consumer welfare,” Cheema stated.
Cheema also praised the relentless efforts of excise officers and officials in curbing illicit liquor trade and smuggling, both within the state and across borders. “By employing advanced technology for monitoring and enforcement, and fostering seamless collaboration with civil and police authorities, the department has built a robust, trustworthy, and supportive ecosystem for the liquor trade,” he added.
Reaffirming Punjab’s leadership in excise management, the Finance Minister emphasized that the Excise and Taxation Department remains committed to boosting revenue while maintaining regulatory integrity and prioritizing consumer well-being. “This year’s landmark achievement sets a new standard, solidifying Punjab’s position as a pioneer in modernizing the excise sector and upholding transparent governance,” he concluded.
