“Diet Coke parties” take India by storm: Iran war causes soft drink shortage in the country

“Diet Coke parties” person go the latest inclination successful India, arsenic bars and restaurants capitalize connected a societal media frenzy sparked by a shortage of the brushed portion linked to the warfare successful Iran.

Unlike astir different markets, Diet Coke is sold lone successful cans successful India, making it much exposed to proviso concatenation disruptions triggered by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, wherever shipments person been halted. With supplies limited, cans are disposable for online purchase, but lone successful restricted quantities.

Pubs and societal media influencers successful India person seized the opportunity, organizing parties with introduction fees ranging from $10 to $16, wherever Diet Coke is served alongside alcohol, music, and activities specified arsenic decorating soda cans and coating themed T-shirts.

In New Delhi, radical dressed successful Diet Coke-themed outfits experimented by mixing the portion with section spices, jalapeño peppers, and honey. At an lawsuit successful Mumbai, summons prices doubled done a lottery system, with 2 winners each taking location 50 cans of Diet Coke.

“We had a paper of cocktails, which we called ‘Coke-tails.’ The thought was to bring unneurotic fans of the drink,” said 25-year-old selling enforcement Ishika Gupta, who describes herself arsenic a “big Diet Coke fan.” She hosted the archetypal Diet Coke enactment successful India past week and plans to signifier more. Due to rising demand, she is present successful talks with the Coca-Cola company.

“The institution reached retired to spot if much specified parties could beryllium organized,” she told Reuters. Coca-Cola was not instantly disposable for comment. In India, Diet Coke is besides commonly utilized arsenic a mixer with alcohol, often with rum.

It is besides a fashionable prime among health-conscious consumers, and the shortage has sparked a question of humorous memes connected societal media, showing radical stockpiling cans crossed the country.

Retail institution Broadway is besides leveraging the shortage to beforehand a aboriginal lawsuit successful New Delhi, advertising: “In the aftermath of the large Diet Coke shortage of 2026… we’re turning our abstraction into the eventual Diet Coke experience.”

With a $10 ticket, attendees volition beryllium capable to bask burgers, Diet Coke, and themed T-shirt painting, according to Broadway CEO Sankalp Katuria.