Coca-Cola Brings Back Diet Coke in Glass Bottles; Prices Jump to Rs 100 Amid Aluminium Can Shortage

After disappearing from store shelves for several weeks, Diet Coke has returned to many shops across India, but consumers are being met with a sharp jump in prices. In several cities, a 200 ml glass bottle is now retailing for nearly Rs 100, significantly higher than the earlier aluminium can format, which typically sold for around Rs 30.

Diet Coke Returns in Market but Prices Jump to Nearly Rs 100 From Rs 30

The price surge follows a nationwide shortage of aluminium cans that disrupted supplies of Diet Coke in India. The Coca-Cola Company and other beverage manufacturers have been grappling with higher packaging costs and shipping delays, as tensions linked to the Iran conflict have affected trade routes and the movement of raw materials through the Gulf region.

Diet Coke Comes in Glass Bottles After Aluminium Can Shortage

The shortage first became noticeable in April, when consumers in major cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi NCR and Pune reported difficulty finding Diet Coke. Retailers and restaurant owners said deliveries were delayed, stocks were limited and orders were only partially fulfilled as Coca-Cola rationed supplies.

Because Diet Coke in India has relied heavily on cans, it was more exposed to aluminium supply disruptions than many other carbonated beverages.

From Aluminium Cans to Glass Bottles, Packaging Costs Rise Amid Strait of Hormuz Shipping Uncertainty

Industry estimates suggest shipments of aluminium from the Gulf were delayed after heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz disrupted maritime traffic. The Gulf is one of the world's key aluminium-producing regions, and Indian beverage companies depend significantly on imported packaging materials.

At the same time, rising energy prices and natural gas shortages have added to production costs for both can manufacturers and glass bottle suppliers.

The temporary disappearance of Diet Coke triggered strong reactions among loyal consumers. In several urban markets, fans began stocking up on the few remaining cans and sharing memes on social media about the drink's sudden scarcity.

Restaurants and event organisers in Delhi and Mumbai reportedly hosted themed gatherings centered around the sugar-free beverage, complete with Diet Coke-inspired cocktails, branded merchandise and raffle giveaways.

Coke Zero Emerges as an Alternative To Diet Coke as Prices Stay Elevated

As Diet Coke cans became harder to find, Coca-Cola stepped up visibility for Coke Zero, which is widely available in plastic bottles and remains easier to source. The reintroduction of Diet Coke in glass bottles has improved availability in several neighbourhood stores, but the higher price of the smaller 200 ml format has led some consumers to switch to other options.

Retailers say prices may remain elevated until aluminium supplies normalise and shipping conditions through the Gulf improve. For now, glass bottles and alternatives such as Coke Zero are helping keep shelves stocked, while Coca-Cola adjusts its packaging strategy in response to ongoing supply-chain disruptions and geopolitical uncertainty.

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