Residents of Bhubaneswar likely welcomed 2026 with significant hangovers, if the staggering volume of alcohol purchased in the final week of 2025 is any indicator. Official figures reveal an unprecedented spike in liquor lifting as the city geared up for extended New Year festivities.
Record-Breaking Numbers for the Year-End Week
According to data from the Odisha State Beverage Corporation (OSBC), the capital city witnessed an extraordinary flow of alcohol between December 25 and 31, 2025. The total supply during this period was valued at a whopping Rs 32.55 crore. The most intense activity was concentrated on December 30 and 31, with all three OSBC depots in the city recording peak lifting activity as retailers, bars, and pubs stocked up heavily to meet the anticipated demand.
The scale of this surge becomes clear when compared to a standard week. On a typical day, OSBC's statewide supply is around Rs 20 crore, with Bhubaneswar accounting for roughly Rs 2 crore of that. This means the city's average weekly sale is approximately Rs 14 crore. The year-end week's figure of Rs 32.55 crore represents an increase of over two times the normal weekly average for the capital.
IMFL Reigns Supreme as Pubs See Unprecedented Rush
The celebratory spirit was overwhelmingly fueled by Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL). It remained the top choice for revellers, accounting for 2.5 lakh litres worth Rs 28.04 crore. Beer followed with 1.78 lakh litres (Rs 3.56 crore), and country liquor sales stood at 1.5 lakh litres (Rs 94.20 lakh).
Hospitality establishments reported record-breaking business. A pub owner in Patia highlighted the dramatic shift, noting that on a lean day, their business hovers around Rs 1.5 lakh. "On December 31, our collection crossed Rs 4.8 lakh," he said, attributing the success to all-inclusive 'Zero Night' packages that were sold out days in advance. Pubs across the city reported record footfall, mirroring the overall sales trend.
Official Response and a Parallel Boom in Food
Excise department officials directly linked the spike to extended celebrations and high pre-orders from the trade. "Supply was scaled up to meet the rush," an official stated, confirming that all three Bhubaneswar depots operated at peak capacity. "As the New Year celebrations unfolded, there was a high demand from retailers and bar owners. The supply was done accordingly," the official added.
The liquor boom had a direct parallel in the food sector, particularly for non-vegetarian items. On New Year's Eve alone, non-veg food worth Rs 7.01 crore was sold in the city. Mutton sales contributed Rs 2.52 crore, while chicken sales accounted for Rs 2.35 crore, painting a picture of a city in full festive mode, indulging in both drink and food to ring in 2026.
