Coca-Cola bottlers and retailers across India have raised Diet Coke prices to 70 rupees for a 330 ml can, up from 50 rupees, as metal packaging costs climb.

The 40 per cent jump hits major urban territories, including Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Goa. Local stores there charge the new rate even on inventory printed with the earlier 50-rupee maximum retail price.

Can-grade aluminium prices surged 30 per cent year-on-year after conflict in West Asia disrupted supplies earlier this year. That inflation forced independent packaging partners to pass costs down the distribution chain.

Bottlers say packaging economics collapsed under higher procurement tabs for beverage cans. One independent Coca-Cola bottler stated:

“Yes, we are selling 330 ml cans of Diet Coke at ₹70 now. The increase in prices of aluminium cans is unsustainable,”

Offline retailers and neighborhood grocers applied the 70-rupee price tag across metro markets, triggering consumer pushback on social media. Quick-commerce apps like Blinkit and Zepto still fulfill customer orders at the official 50-rupee price printed on the 330 ml packs.

This pricing split creates friction across urban retail channels. General trade grocers and supermarkets face customer disputes at billing counters. App-based delivery platforms hold to official price tags to defend basket sizes.

Coca-Cola stated that company guidance remains tied to package labeling. A company spokesperson said:

“In line with Indian regulations, our recommendation to all trade partners is to charge the MRP printed on the pack.”

Consumer demand for zero-sugar soft drinks doubled over the past 12 months, draining bottling lines of inventory.

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