Diet Coke shortage sparks stockpiling frenzy in India. Is Australia next?

It’s enough to send a chill down the spine: a Diet Coke shortage.

Well, spare a thought for the poor souls in India. They are in the throes of such a big DC deficit that some venues are charging an astonishing $30 for access to the beloved beverage.

The fizzy drink of choice for many, the refreshment known as a “fridge cigarette” is disappearing from supermarket shelves across India amid frantic stockpiling, with the Iran War and delayed shipments of aluminium to blame.

The scarcity has sparked a craze of “Diet Coke parties”, where pubs and social media influencers organise events that come with an entry fee that comes with access to Diet Coke as well as music and alcohol and activities like can decoration and themed T-shirt painting.

The Gulf accounts for around 9 per cent of global aluminium production, which has been trapped since the end of February by Iran’s de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reports.

While most soft drinks are sold in India both in plastic bottles and cans, Diet Coke is only sold in ⁠cans.

An industry executive confirmed the shortage was due to some consignments of imported cans being delayed. Production of cans and bottles in India has also become more expensive because of an ⁠energy shortage.

“There is some production happening, but it’s being rationed as the company can’t meet all the demand,” the executive said.

Naturally, the Coke chaos in India has Aussies wondering if we’re next and whether we need to hit the panic button and start stockpiling.

Thankfully, the answer is no.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners spokesperson confirmed to The Nightly that there were no concerns about dwindling supplies here.

“Diet Coke remains readily available across Australia,” the spokesperson said.

“We produce our beverages, including Diet Coke, locally at our manufacturing sites across the country, helping to support consistent and reliable supply.”

— with Reuters