Consumers across major Indian cities, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, and Ahmedabad, are encountering widespread shortages of Diet Coke and other popular canned beverages. Shelves typically stocked with these drinks are either running low or completely empty, prompting frustration among shoppers and discussions on social media.
The Core of the Crisis: Aluminium Can Shortage
The primary driver behind this scarcity is a significant crunch in the supply of aluminium cans, essential for a wide array of soft drinks and premium beers. This issue has been exacerbated by a confluence of factors, hitting India just as summer demand for cold beverages peaks.
Regulatory Hurdles and Supply Chain Bottlenecks
A key immediate cause dates back to April 2025, when the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) implemented mandatory certification for aluminium cans through a Quality Control Order. While intended to standardize products and curb substandard imports, this regulatory change inadvertently slowed down approval processes for both domestic production and international sourcing.
Manufacturers have faced considerable delays in ramping up their output to meet the new compliance requirements, while imported cans have been held up by the same standards. This has created a widening gap between the available supply and the rapidly increasing consumer demand for canned beverages.
Surging Demand Meets Global Pressures
The problem is further compounded by a noticeable shift in consumer preferences. Slim cans and premium packaging have gained significant popularity, particularly among younger urban demographics. This rising demand puts additional strain on an already fragile supply chain, making it highly susceptible to even minor disruptions.
Beyond domestic issues, international factors are adding to the complexity. Geopolitical tensions, especially in West Asia, have disrupted critical shipping routes, leading to increased freight costs and delays in the import of both finished aluminium cans and raw materials. The global aluminium supply chain itself has been under pressure, experiencing fluctuations in metal availability and pricing. Furthermore, currency volatility has introduced additional cost burdens, making it challenging for beverage companies to maintain stable inventory levels.
Broader Impact Beyond Diet Coke
While Diet Coke has become a highly visible symbol of the current shortage, the underlying issue extends far beyond this single product. The aluminium can crunch is affecting the entire beverage industry, impacting both soft drink manufacturers and alcohol brands. Premium beer brands, for instance, have increasingly adopted cans due to their portability and appeal to younger consumers. This trend has now exposed them to supply vulnerabilities.
According to the Brewers Association of India, beer companies alone faced a shortfall of 120 to 130 million units of 500 ml cans in 2025, underscoring the severity of the packaging crisis. The potential consequences include restrictions on production volumes in key urban markets and rising input and logistics costs that could ultimately lead to price increases for consumers.
Uncertain Outlook for Resolution
Reports indicate that supplies are gradually improving in some areas, but the fundamental issues driving the shortage remain largely unresolved. The current can crisis serves as a stark reminder of the intricate and interdependent nature of modern supply chains, where a weakness in one link can trigger significant ripple effects across various industries and consumer habits.