2 min readUpdated: Apr 22, 2026 05:59 PM IST
Amid the US–Israel–Iran war, Diet Coke sales have taken a hit as aluminium cans have run short due to delayed shipments from the Gulf.
Around 9 per cent of global aluminium production comes from the Gulf, and the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted can supplies.
Even though soft drinks are sold in India both in plastic bottles and cans, Diet Coke is sold only in cans. Two Coca-Cola (KO.N), opens new tab distributors told Reuters on Wednesday the company had notified them it was rationing supplies or not fulfilling some orders due to a can shortage caused by the war.
“We’ve been placing orders but have been told there is a shortage due to war,” Sanjay, one of the distributors, was quoted as saying by Reuters. Coca-Cola declined to comment.
Diet Coke accounts for a major growth market in the country, and it has reported sales of 50 billion rupees ($533 million) in 2024-25, its highest since at least 2021.
An industry executive told Reuters the Diet Coke shortage was due to some consignments of imported cans being delayed. Owing to fuel shortage, the production of cans and bottles in India has also become more expensive.
“There is some production happening, but it’s being rationed as the company can’t meet all the demand,” the executive said.
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In Uttar Pradesh, grocer Ashish Saxena said orders for Diet Coke had been delayed. “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.
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