For years, buying a bottle of Scotch whisky in India has meant navigating some of the steepest import duties in the world. However, following the India-UK trade agreement coming into force in July, imported Scotch whisky prices have started falling in key Indian markets. Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky and J&B whisky are already seeing price cuts of around 10-15 per cent, according to industry reports. The change in whisky prices could be particularly interesting for premium whisky drinkers in India, as the lower import duty may gradually narrow the price gap between Scotch and Indian whiskies. Notably, whisky price cuts are being seen across Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Goa and Uttar Pradesh. Those who prefer Chivas Regal whisky and Ballantine’s whisky, may also get some good news soon as rate cuts are reportedly coming soon to these state too.
The first noticeable reductions have appeared in markets including Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Goa and Uttar Pradesh. A 750ml bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky is reportedly selling for around ₹3,800, compared with approximately ₹4,250 previously. J&B whisky price has reportedly fallen to around ₹1,700 from ₹2,300. These are not nationwide prices. Alcohol pricing in India is controlled largely at the state level, so the price of the same Scotch whisky price can vary significantly depending on where it is purchased.
Whisky price cuts could extend beyond just Johnnie Walker whisky and J&B whisky. Pernod Ricard has reportedly submitted proposals for price reductions on Chivas Regal whisky, Ballantine's whisky and The Glenlivet whisky, although the revised prices require approval from state excise authorities.
The biggest change is the import tariff on Scotch whisky, according to this LiveMint report. Under the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), India's duty on British whisky was reduced from 150 per cent to 75 per cent when the agreement came into force on July 15, 2026. The tariff on whiskies is scheduled to fall further to 40 per cent over the next decade.
For India's increasingly sophisticated whisky drinkers, that could make the premium Scotch shelf more tempting, especially as Indian single malts continue to establish themselves as serious competitors.
This is still the beginning rather than a wholesale Scotch whisky price revolution. Not every bottle will immediately become cheaper, and the savings will vary from state to state. But the direction is promising. With import duties falling and more Scotch whiskies potentially becoming accessible at lower prices, the premium whisky market in India is entering an interesting new chapter.