The closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to the Iran-Iran war has disrupted global shipments of aluminium cans, helium, and semiconductor components [1, 2].

These disruptions affect critical supply chains for diverse industries, ranging from beverage bottling in India to the production of artificial intelligence chips globally. Because the Gulf region serves as a primary transit point for these commodities, the conflict has created immediate inventory gaps for manufacturers and consumers [2, 3].

In India, the shortage of aluminium cans has specifically impacted the availability of Diet Coke. Rohit Sharma, a spokesperson for Coca-Cola India, said the company is seeing unprecedented delays in aluminium-can deliveries because of the conflict in the Gulf [1].

The scarcity has reached a point where some consumers in New Delhi are paying premiums for the beverage. Anita Patel, owner of a Delhi bar hosting Diet Coke parties, said people are willing to pay anything for a cold Diet Coke — tickets are going for $16 now [4].

Data on the impact on Indian imports varies. Some reports indicate that around nine percent [1] of India's aluminium imports come from the Gulf, while other estimates place that figure at about 12 percent [2].

Beyond beverages, the conflict has impacted high-tech sectors and energy markets. The disruption includes shipments of helium and components necessary for AI chips [2]. David Lee, a senior analyst at Global Commodities Watch, said the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has rippled through the entire commodities market, from oil to helium [3].

Market volatility was evident earlier this year. U.S. petroleum inventories jumped 33.9% in March 2026 as trade patterns shifted in response to the instability [3].

“The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has rippled through the entire commodities market, from oil to helium.”

The current shortages demonstrate the fragility of 'just-in-time' supply chains when a single geographic chokepoint, such as the Strait of Hormuz, is compromised. By affecting both low-cost consumer goods like soda cans and high-value technology like AI chips, the conflict reveals how regional instability in the Gulf can trigger simultaneous inflationary pressure and industrial delays across unrelated global sectors.