New Delhi, April 22 -- Diet Coke has emerged as an unlikely casualty of the supply chain disruptions caused by the war in West Asia, with several Indian cities reporting a shortage. Shipments of aluminium cans have been delayed since last month due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The Gulf accounts for 9% of the global aluminium production.

It is important to note that while soft drinks are sold in India in plastic bottles and cans, the sugar-free Diet Coke is sold only in cans. The supply gap has hit Indian cities when sweltering heat is driving the sales of soft drinks. The shortage in supply was first reported in Mumbai, and has since escalated to Bengaluru, Pune and parts of Delhi-NCR.

Two Coca-Cola distributors told Reuters...