New Delhi, India — April 30, 2026
India is facing a growing aluminium supply crunch that is beginning to disrupt the availability of canned beverages across retail stores and quick-commerce platforms. Industry executives say the shortage of aluminium cans—largely imported from West Asia—is creating sudden gaps in supply, particularly for popular soft drink brands.
The disruption comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have significantly affected supply chains. Several major cola companies operating in India have long relied on imports from countries such as the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar, but shipments have slowed due to ongoing conflict in the region.
Canned Beverages Vanish From Shelves
Retailers and online delivery platforms are reporting stock shortages of 330 ml canned drinks, with some products becoming difficult to find. Consumers who prefer canned beverages are increasingly shifting to alternatives such as PET bottles.
Popular variants like diet sodas are witnessing reduced availability, prompting customers to opt for substitutes, including zero-sugar versions and healthier beverage options such as juices.
Supply Chain Disruptions Intensify
The shortage is linked to disruptions affecting suppliers in West Asia. Units operated by Canpack—a key vendor for aluminium cans—have reportedly been impacted by the ongoing conflict.
The situation worsened following heightened tensions involving Iran and the United States, which disrupted shipping routes and delayed supplies to India. As a result, the availability of standard 330 ml cans has dropped sharply in recent weeks.
Why Beer Companies Are Less Affected
Interestingly, the beer industry has been relatively insulated from the crisis. Most beer manufacturers in India produce around 80% of their 500 ml cans domestically, reducing reliance on imports.
Additionally, beer companies have diversified their sourcing strategies, importing remaining supplies from countries such as Thailand and Indonesia. Existing domestic manufacturing infrastructure has also helped cushion the impact.
Government Measures and Industry Response
The Indian government had earlier relaxed certain import regulations related to aluminium cans in January to ease supply constraints. However, domestic production has faced challenges due to limited LPG availability, restricting output expansion.
With gas supply conditions gradually improving, companies are now ramping up production. Hindalco Industries has increased output of specialized aluminium sheets used in can manufacturing, offering hope for supply stabilization.
Outlook: Shift Toward Alternatives
Industry experts believe the shortage may accelerate a shift toward PET bottles and other packaging formats in the near term. While domestic production is expected to improve, supply normalization will depend on geopolitical stability and logistics recovery.
Until then, consumers may continue to face limited availability of canned beverages, especially in urban retail and quick-commerce channels.
