Not Hot Enough For ORS, Pharma Companies Left With Surplus Stock Owing To Early Monsoon

Last Updated:July 29, 2025, 07:00 IST

Industry insiders said pharmaceutical companies had anticipated a scorching summer and ramped up production of ORS and placed orders

ORS products, widely used to prevent dehydration during extreme heat and diarrhoeal illnesses, usually witness a surge in demand during harsh summers. (Image for representation: IMAGEN 3 ENGINE)

A milder-than-usual summer coupled with an early arrival of the monsoon have dented the seasonal demand for ORS in India, leaving several pharmaceutical companies with surplus stock of the vital formula. 

According to industry insiders, pharma companies had anticipated a scorching summer and ramped up production of oral rehydration salts (ORS) and placed orders. In fact, data from Pharmarac shows the season began on a high note — April recorded sales of Rs 146 crore, an increase from Rs 139 crore in the same month last year, raising expectations for a robust season. But the momentum faded as temperatures stayed moderate and the monsoon arrived ahead of schedule.

Weather experts said summer this year lacked the intensity of previous years. Heatwave days were fewer and scattered, and May witnessed relatively cooler spells across several regions. While temperatures briefly rose in June, an early monsoon cut the hot season short.

ORS products, which are widely used to prevent dehydration during extreme heat and diarrhoeal illnesses, usually witness a surge in demand during harsh summers. This year, however, has left many manufacturers with unexpected stockpiles.

CSR DRIVES, FREEBIES AS COMPANIES CLEAR INVENTORY

Gyanesh Jeswal, general secretary of Indian Federation of Pharma Generics,  explained the problem faced by ORS manufacturers this season. 

“Healwood, the largest third-party contract manufacturer that produces ORS for top pharmaceutical companies such as Cipla, Lupin, Alkem, Mankind, Sun and others, is left with large volumes of unsold stock made on order for these companies. This is mainly because of the short summers and early monsoon," Jeswal said.

He added: “The orders included various flavours like lime, jeera, nimbu pani, pineapple, black currant, mixed fruit, etc, but orange and apple remained the most in demand. Most of the other flavours did not sell well."

As a result, he said, the cost has not been recovered from the market and companies are now trying to use unsold stock through promotional activities. Carrying stocks for the next year is a loss-making proposition and a burden on profits, as the expiry is just 18 months, he added.

“Companies prepare their orders for the full season in advance as per anticipation because manufacturers are fewer and they are pre-booked," he said.

Apart from Jeswal, distributors said many pharma firms are offering their excess inventory for free as part of public outreach and CSR-linked drives. A Cipla distributor in north India, for example, has been distributing Prolyte ORS packs “for free" at sports and public welfare events to clear backlogged stock.

Despite follow-ups, Cipla did not respond to News18’s emails. Lupin declined to comment, while Zydus Cadila and FDC India also did not respond.

Deepak Arora, vice president of sales and marketing at Wallace Pharmaceuticals — maker of the Rs 100 crore ORS brand Walyte — acknowledged that while his company performed “fairly okay" this summer, “a shortened or non-existent summer" contributed to lower-than-expected demand across the market.

Despite the seasonal dip, the overall oral electrolyte market continues to grow reaching Rs 1,232 crore in the financial year 2024-2025. ORS works by re-energising the body, relieving dehydration and fatigue, restoring body fluids and minerals, apart from refilling the body with electrolytes during vomiting, loose motions, or dehydration.

Himani Chandna

Himani Chandna, Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India's COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particularly pass...Read More

Himani Chandna, Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India's COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particularly pass...

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