Aluminium Can Shortage Hits India's Beverage Market

Aluminium Can Shortage Hits India's Beverage Market
The Iran war has triggered a critical aluminium beverage can shortage across major Indian cities, leaving Diet Coke shelves empty in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, and Delhi-NCR. Diet Coke faces particular pressure as it is packaged almost exclusively in cans, unlike competitors sold in bottles. Demand for sugar-free drinks has doubled in the past year, compounding supply challenges. Companies are forced to import cans from UAE, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia at 25 to 30 percent premium costs. Manufacturing capacity remains constrained, with Ball Beverage Packaging and Canpack unable to expand production for 10 to 12 months. The shortage coincides with summer season demand surge, creating significant market disruption for beverage manufacturers and retailers across India.