The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has halted roughly 9% of global aluminum shipments, driving benchmark prices to four-year highs. This bottleneck reflects broader energy-driven constraints on raw materials routed through the Gulf.

Diet Coke is sold exclusively in aluminum cans in India, making it especially vulnerable to the supply shock. Retailers in New Delhi are charging entry fees at “Diet Coke parties” as consumers scramble for scarce canned stock.

Coca-Cola has declined to comment publicly but faces pressure to secure alternative can suppliers or explore different packaging formats. Any shift could incur higher costs or disrupt existing production lines.

The aluminum crunch highlights risks to other packaged goods reliant on Gulf-routed materials such as plastics, inks and household items. Companies across food and beverage sectors are evaluating contingency plans to mitigate further disruptions.