Comparatively, South India's collective consumption dominates 42% of the national liquor market, with Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu driving the bulk. This regional dominance underscores the economic significance of the sector, contributing substantially to state coffers. For instance, Telangana's liquor excise duty alone surpassed Rs 30,000 crore in 2025, a record high that reflects both consumption volumes and premium brand preferences.
Telangana Emerges as South India’s Top Liquor Consumer in 2025: A Surge in Per Capita Intake
Hyderabad:
In a revealing snapshot of regional drinking habits, Telangana has claimed the dubious honor of leading South India in per capita liquor consumption for 2025, according to recent data from industry reports and state excise departments.
With an average annual intake of 4.44 liters of pure alcohol per person, the state outpaces its southern neighbors, highlighting a growing trend in alcohol consumption amid economic shifts and policy changes.The figures, compiled from sales data across the region, place Telangana ahead of Karnataka, which recorded 4.25 liters per capita, and Tamil Nadu at 3.38 liters.
Andhra Pradesh and Kerala trail further behind, though exact numbers for these states were not uniformly reported in the latest aggregates. This positions Telangana not just as a regional leader but also among India’s top consumers overall, particularly in whiskey, where it boasts one of the highest per capita rates nationwide.
Experts attribute this spike to several factors. Telangana’s robust excise revenue model, which generated billions in 2025 through liquor sales, has made alcohol more accessible via an expanded network of outlets and bars. Urbanization in cities like Hyderabad, coupled with a young workforce and rising disposable incomes, has fueled demand.
“The state’s liberal policies and cultural shifts towards social drinking have played a key role,” said Dr. Ravi Kumar, a public health analyst at the Indian Institute of Public Health. However, this comes with concerns over health impacts, including rising cases of liver diseases and alcohol-related accidents.
Comparatively, South India’s collective consumption dominates 42% of the national liquor market, with Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu driving the bulk. This regional dominance underscores the economic significance of the sector, contributing substantially to state coffers.
For instance, Telangana’s liquor excise duty alone surpassed Rs 30,000 crore in 2025, a record high that reflects both consumption volumes and premium brand preferences.Critics, including health advocates, warn of the social costs. Organizations like the Alcohol Control Society have called for stricter regulations, such as higher taxes and awareness campaigns, to curb excessive drinking.
“While revenue is important, we can’t ignore the human toll,” noted activist Priya Singh.Looking ahead, as India grapples with balancing economic gains and public health, Telangana’s top ranking serves as a case study. Will policy tweaks in 2026 temper this trend, or will consumption continue to climb? Only time—and perhaps another round of data—will tell.
COMMENTS