Telangana tops alcohol consumption in southern India
HYDERABAD: Telangana has emerged as the highest consumer of alcohol in southern India, with the average annual per capita consumption recorded at 4.4 litres, according to available data.
Local body polls may have influenced consumption trends
Officials and observers say the recent spate of consecutive local body elections could have contributed to higher alcohol consumption in the state. Alcohol use in Telangana has traditionally remained higher compared to neighbouring states.
Karnataka and Tamil Nadu follow; Andhra Pradesh third
After Telangana, Karnataka recorded per capita consumption of 4.2 litres, followed by Tamil Nadu at 3.38 litres. Andhra Pradesh stood at 2.7 litres, while Kerala reported 2.5 litres.
Alcohol sales are also the highest in Telangana, resulting in sustained demand for liquor shops across the state.
The per capita annual expenditure on alcohol in Telangana stood at ₹11,351, significantly higher than Andhra Pradesh’s ₹6,399, the data showed.
