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

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