MIND THE POUR
Price Decoded · Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Liquor prices & excise duty in Andaman & Nicobar Islands (2026)
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands run their liquor sales through government‑run shops, keeping prices in the low‑to‑medium band. Because the administration controls both retail and excise, the cost of a bottle stays modest compared with many mainland markets.
| Retail model | Government-run retail |
|---|---|
| Relative price | Low-Medium |
| Under GST? | No — governed by state excise duty |
| Data status | todo |
How liquor is priced in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Liquor is sold exclusively through state‑owned outlets managed by the Andaman & Nicobar Excise Department. There are no private liquor stores, and the same price list applies across Port Blair, Havelock and other inhabited islands.
The administration determines the final price by adding a modest margin to the procurement cost and the state excise duty. Since alcohol is outside the GST framework, excise duty is the primary fiscal lever that shapes the shelf price.
Why prices look the way they do
The government’s pricing strategy aims to discourage illicit supply while generating steady revenue, which is why the excise rate is set lower than in many high‑tax states. This keeps the overall price tier in the low‑to‑medium range.
Logistics costs are relatively uniform due to the limited geographic spread, and any adjustment to excise is announced through official notifications, giving consumers predictable price movements.
Frequently asked questions
Why is alcohol expensive in Andaman & Nicobar Islands?
Administration-run retail with modest duties.
How is liquor sold in Andaman & Nicobar Islands?
Andaman & Nicobar Islands uses a government-run retail model for alcohol retail.
Is alcohol under GST in Andaman & Nicobar Islands?
No. Alcohol for human consumption is outside GST across India, so Andaman & Nicobar Islands sets its own state excise duty — the main driver of the shelf price.
Is liquor cheaper in Andaman & Nicobar Islands than in other Indian states?
Yes, the islands generally offer liquor at low‑to‑medium prices because the government‑run retail model and modest excise keep costs lower than many high‑tax states.
Who sells liquor in Andaman & Nicobar Islands?
Liquor is sold only through government‑run outlets operated by the Andaman & Nicobar Excise Department; there are no private liquor shops.
Does Andaman & Nicobar have any prohibition or dry days?
No, the union territory does not enforce prohibition; alcohol is legally available for purchase throughout the year.
How does excise duty affect liquor prices in the islands?
Since alcohol is exempt from GST, the excise duty set by the administration is the main tax component that determines the final shelf price.
Can I buy liquor online or get it delivered in Andaman & Nicobar Islands?
Currently, liquor sales are limited to physical government outlets; online ordering or home delivery services are not permitted under the existing rules.
Numbers marked todo/estimate are being verified against official state excise sources. Correction? DM @mindthepour.