According to a media report, Diet Coke prices have risen across Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Goa amid higher aluminium packaging costs, while Blinkit and Zepto continue to list 330 ml cans at the printed MRP of Rs 50
Coca-Cola’s Diet Coke is being sold at Rs 70 for a 330 ml can, up 40 per cent from its printed maximum retail price (MRP) of Ts 50, in markets including Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Goa. The increase comes amid rising aluminium packaging costs and has created a price gap between neighbourhood retailers and quick-commerce platforms, where the product continues to be listed at Rs 50, according to media report.
Can-grade aluminium prices have reportedly risen 30 per cent year-on-year following supply disruptions linked to the conflict in West Asia. The increase has raised procurement costs for independent bottlers, some of whom have passed on the additional expense to consumers. An independent Coca-Cola bottler said the higher cost of aluminium cans had become unsustainable, prompting the business to charge Rs 70 for the can.
The price difference is particularly visible across urban retail channels, with some neighbourhood shops and supermarkets charging Rs 70 even for cans bearing the earlier MRP. Meanwhile, Blinkit and Zepto continue to list the product at Rs 50. Coca-Cola said it had advised its trade partners to follow the price printed on the packaging, in accordance with Indian regulations.
The divergence comes as demand for zero-sugar beverages increases. A senior beverage industry executive said demand for zero-calorie drinks had doubled over the past year, adding to supply pressures and influencing pricing decisions among independent bottlers and retailers. The executive also said such pricing decisions were beyond the company’s control.
The latest increase follows Coca-Cola’s shift in July from 300 ml cans priced at Rs 40 to 330 ml cans priced at Rs 50. The reported move to Rs 70 marks a further increase in consumer prices, although the product remains available at its printed MRP on some online platforms. Whether the price gap narrows will depend on retailers’ pricing decisions, packaging costs and the availability of fresh inventory.
