A shortage of Diet Coke is emerging across India, as disruptions linked to the ongoing Iran war have constrained the supply of aluminium cans, the exclusive packaging format for the beverage in the country.
The Gulf region, responsible for roughly 9% of global aluminium production, has faced severe logistical challenges since late February due to what industry observers describe as a de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The disruption has delayed key shipments of aluminium, creating ripple effects across industries reliant on imported materials.
In India, the impact is being felt acutely in the soft drinks sector. While most beverages are available in both plastic bottles and cans, Diet Coke is sold exclusively in aluminium cans, making it particularly vulnerable to supply chain shocks.
Two distributors of Coca-Cola confirmed on Wednesday that the company has begun rationing supplies and, in some cases, is unable to fulfil orders due to the shortage.
“We’ve been placing orders but have been told there is a shortage due to war,” said Sanjay, a distributor who declined to provide his full name.
Coca-Cola declined to comment on the situation.
India remains a key growth market for the beverage giant. The company reported sales of 50 billion rupees ($533 million) in the 2024–25 fiscal year—its highest since at least 2021. Demand for sugar-free products like Diet Coke has been rising steadily, with market research firm Grand View Research projecting India’s reduced-sugar food and beverage market will reach $4.7 billion by 2030, more than double its 2023 value.
However, industry insiders say supply constraints are undermining the company’s ability to meet this growing demand.
“There is some production happening, but it’s being rationed as the company can’t meet all the demand,” an industry executive said, adding that delays in imported can consignments and rising production costs tied to energy shortages have compounded the problem.
Retailers are already noticing the effects. In northern Uttar Pradesh, grocer Ashish Saxena said deliveries have slowed significantly.
“Earlier, orders were delivered within five-six hours. The company is now pushing for Coke Zero which comes in a plastic bottle and is very reasonable if compared with other products,” he said.
The shortage has not gone unnoticed by consumers. Social media platforms, particularly Instagram, have seen a surge in memes and posts expressing frustration and humor over the limited availability of Diet Coke.
One widely shared video by user Devanshu Saran shows a man rushing into a supermarket and purchasing more than a dozen cans in a single trip.
As the geopolitical situation continues to disrupt supply chains, industry watchers warn that shortages of niche, packaging-dependent products like Diet Coke could persist in the near term.
Boluwatife Enome
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