Diet Coke loses its fizz in India as Iran war hits cans supply

Published April 22, 2026 Updated April 22, 2026 01:40pm

The Iran war has caused a shortage of Diet Coke in India, where it is sold only in aluminium cans that have run short because of delayed shipments from the Gulf caused by the Iran war, according to Reuters.

The Gulf accounts for around 9pc of global aluminium production, which has been trapped since the end of February by Iran’s de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

While most soft drinks are sold in India both in plastic bottles and cans, Diet Coke is only sold in cans.

Two Coca-Cola distributors told Reuters that 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,” said Sanjay, one of the distributors, who declined to give his last name. Coca-Cola declined to comment.

Coca-Cola Diet Coke cans on display for sale inside a shop in New Delhi, India on April 22, 2026. — Reuters
Coca-Cola Diet Coke cans on display for sale inside a shop in New Delhi, India on April 22, 2026. — Reuters

Opinion

Editorial

Pahalgam aftermath
24 Apr, 2026

Pahalgam aftermath

A YEAR after at least 26 people were killed in a terrorist attack in occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam area, ties ...
Real estate power
24 Apr, 2026

Real estate power

THE latest round of land valuation revisions by the FBR for tax purposes signifies a familiar pattern that ...
Ad astra
Updated 24 Apr, 2026

Ad astra

AMONG the many developments this month that Pakistanis can take pride in is the news that one of their own will soon...
Ceasefire extension
Updated 23 Apr, 2026

Ceasefire extension

THOUGH the US has extended the Iran ceasefire — thanks largely to effective Pakistani diplomacy to prevent sliding...
Climate & livelihoods
23 Apr, 2026

Climate & livelihoods

THE latest ILO report estimates that around 3.3m jobs may have been affected by the 2025 floods — significantly...
Virtual courts
23 Apr, 2026

Virtual courts

THOUGH routine activities in Islamabad have been greatly hindered amidst security preparations for another round of...