NEW DELHI, April 22 (Reuters) — Diet Coke is facing shortage in India as the Iran war disrupts aluminium can supplies, leaving the sugar-free drink—sold only in cans in the country—hard to find across major cities.

Two Coca-Cola distributors confirmed to Reuters on Wednesday that the company has rationed supplies and may fail to fulfill some orders, citing war-related aluminium can shortages. Diet Coke’s reliance solely on aluminium cans makes it more vulnerable than other beverages available in plastic or glass bottles.

The Gulf region contributes about 9% of global aluminium output. Since late February, Iran’s military actions and the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have severely delayed aluminium shipments, tightening can supply chains worldwide.

India is a key growth market for Coca-Cola, with its 2024–2025 fiscal year sales hitting 50 billion rupees, a record high since 2021. The country’s low-sugar beverage segment is booming; Grand View Research projects it will reach $4.7 billion by 2030, more than doubling 2023 levels.

Industry sources noted that delayed imports of aluminium cans and rising domestic production costs have exacerbated the shortage. Retailers in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi-NCR report empty shelves, with limited stock selling out quickly amid peak summer demand.

Coca-Cola has not officially commented on the situation. Distributors said they are awaiting further updates from the company as supply chain disruptions persist.