Why Diet Coke Is Getting More Expensive in India
Diet Coke prices are rising in India due to aluminium can shortages, supply disruptions, and changes in packaging.
SociapaHQ
Diet Coke has become increasingly difficult to find in India over the past few months, with supply shortages now leading to higher prices and changes in packaging. The shortage has even sparked themed events across cities, where fans gathered for Diet Coke-inspired experiences.
In New Delhi, guests attended a Diet Coke-themed party featuring cocktails spiked with jalapeño and honey, while activities included painting Diet Coke cans. In Mumbai, a similar ticketed event ended with a raffle where the top prize was 50 cans of the drink. Near the capital, a restaurant chain charged ₹1,300 for entry to an evening that included complimentary Diet Coke and snacks, while a retail chain in New Delhi hosted a ₹999 event with burgers, vintage art and custom T-shirt painting, describing it as a "full-blown Diet Coke experience."
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Supply Crunch:
Behind the growing popularity of these events is a very real supply crunch. Diet Coke, which is sold almost exclusively in aluminium cans in India, has been in short supply for months. Coca-Cola has raised prices by more than 10%, introduced a larger 330ml can as the smaller cans became difficult to source, and started importing cans from Southeast Asia.
The company's most popular Diet Coke variant in India was the 300ml can priced at ₹40. It has now rolled out a 330ml can priced at ₹50. On a per-millilitre basis, this represents a 13.6% increase in price. At least one Indian bottler has also begun selling Diet Coke in 200ml glass bottles for a limited period, although these are significantly more expensive than the canned version, according to online listings and a source.
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Global Disruptions:
The supply issues can be traced to the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran, specifically the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The narrow waterway is a key shipping route through which a significant share of the world's aluminium is transported. The disruption has affected aluminium supplies, creating challenges in sourcing cans for the Indian market.
Coca-Cola has not publicly announced the pricing and packaging changes and did not respond to queries.
