Summer Heat Fuels Beer Demand in Telangana, March Sales Cross Record 50.78 Lakh Cases

Rising temperatures and sticky humidity have triggered a sharp jump in beer consumption across Telangana, with consumers increasingly choosing chilled beer to cope with the summer heat. Fresh data from Telangana Beverages Corporation Limited shows beer sales across liquor shops, bars and clubs climbed significantly in March, setting the highest monthly figure recorded in the last five years.

March Sees Record-Breaking Beer Sales Across Telangana

Beer sales in Telangana rose by 22 per cent in March compared with the same period last year, underlining how soaring temperatures are reshaping seasonal drinking patterns in the state.

According to Telangana Beverages Corporation Limited data, sales surged from 30 lakh cases in March 2025 to a record 50.78 lakh cases in March 2026. This marks the highest monthly beer sale figure seen in the past five years, with Hyderabad and other urban centres contributing strongly to the spike as summer conditions intensified.

Demand Began Rising From January, Picked Up Sharply in February

The upward trend in beer consumption did not begin in March alone. Sales had already started building momentum from the first two months of the year, pointing to an early and sustained summer demand cycle.

In January, beer sales increased from 31 lakh cases in 2025 to 34 lakh cases in 2026. February saw a sharper jump, with sales rising from 28 lakh cases last year to 38 lakh cases this year. Officials noted that the pace of growth accelerated from the final week of February as temperatures started climbing more aggressively across the state.

The trend has continued into April as well. In just the first 13 days of the month, beer sales have already touched 21 lakh cases. At present, daily sales are averaging between 1.7 lakh and 1.8 lakh cases, indicating that the summer demand wave is far from over.

Water Shortage Concerns Raise Supply Pressure Ahead of Peak Summer

While demand is expected to remain strong through May, officials are also watching a potential challenge that could disrupt supply. Falling water levels in the Manjeera river, which is a major source for beer manufacturing units, have sparked concerns over production capacity during the peak summer season.

Excise department officials said that if the water shortage worsens, beer production may decline, creating pressure on supplies. They cautioned that meeting rising demand could become difficult if manufacturing output is affected during the hottest months of the year.

Authorities Boost Production and Stock, But Supply Risks Remain

To avoid shortages, the authorities have already taken several precautionary steps. Supply from depots to retail outlets has been increased, while production has been ramped up by 10 to 12 per cent compared with last year.

In addition, warehouse stock levels have been expanded significantly. Instead of the usual 15-day reserve, stock is now being maintained for up to 35 days in an effort to cushion any disruption caused by higher demand or production constraints.

Even with these measures, officials acknowledged that maintaining uninterrupted supply may still become difficult if demand continues to surge at the current pace. Annual beer sales in Telangana, which typically stay between 450 lakh and 500 lakh cases, are now projected to cross 600 lakh cases this year, signalling an unprecedented summer consumption cycle in the state.