Hormuz Closure Drives Diet Coke Shortage in India, Raises Food Supply Costs Across Markets

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is disrupting packaged food and beverage supply chains, driving a Diet Coke shortage in India and lifting input costs for aluminum, energy-linked chemicals, sugar and fertilizer. Coca-Cola’s Diet Coke is sold only in cans in India, leaving it exposed to an aluminum supply squeeze tied to the Middle East conflict. The region accounts for about 9% of global aluminum supply, according to the International Aluminum Institute, while aluminum futures have climbed to four-year highs since the U.S.-Iran war began on February 28, 2026. Other companies are reporting knock-on effects. Calbee said it will temporarily use black-and-white packaging from May 25, 2026, because of a naphtha shortage. United Breweries, Heineken’s India unit, warned of tight packaging supplies and higher aluminum costs. Fresh Del Monte cited trade disruptions affecting banana volumes in North America and Europe. S&P Global estimates about 10% of global raw sugar moves through Hormuz, while fertilizer shortages could raise corn costs later in 2026.