A BOEING 727 that had no clearance to fly mysteriously took off into the night – leaving behind no wreckage, no signal and no answers.
Just before sunset, the ageing jet lifted off from Quatro de Fevereiro Airport in Luanda, Angola with an American engineer and a private pilot on board.
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A Boeing 727 mysteriously took off from Angola in 2003 without clearance or lightsBen Charles Padilla was an American flight engineer and private pilot
It flew into the sky without its external lights, no flight plan, and without responding to air traffic control.
Its transponder had been switched off, and within minutes, it disappeared from radar as it headed south-west over the Atlantic Ocean on May 25, 2003.
Neither the aircraft – registered N844AA – nor the two men on board, Ben Charles Padilla and John Mikel Mutantu, have ever been seen again.
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More than 20 years later, the disappearance remains one of the aviation industry’s most baffling modern mysteries – fuelling theories ranging from organised crime and insurance fraud to terrorism and hostage coercion.
For the family of Ben, the mystery has always been more personal and sinister.
His brother, Joseph B. Padilla Sr, rejected the idea that Ben stole the aircraft. Instead, he believes the plane was hijacked.
He previously said: “I really believe my brother was taken prisoner and held against his will and possibly was killed.”
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Vanishing into the night
The Boeing 727 had been built in 1975 and flew 25 years for American Airlines before being converted into a cargo plane.
By 2003, it was considered obsolete for passenger use but remained fully capable of flight.
After a failed sale, the aircraft was grounded in Angola.
It sat for more than a year, accruing millions of dollars in airport parking and service fees amid confusion over its ownership.
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Reports later described a tangle of companies claiming interests in the jet, complicating efforts to recover debts.
Despite that limbo, aviation expert Julian Bray said the aircraft was clearly being kept in a condition fit to fly – adding the plane could not have taken off without careful preparation.
He told The Sun: “You wouldn’t just jump into an aircraft where the batteries weren’t charged up and the systems were, were ready to go.”
Under normal circumstances, airports prevent disputed aircraft from leaving by immobilising them, Bray explained.
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This includes blocking or locking the nose wheel so they cannot taxi.
But that did not happen at Luanda – and it allowed it to taxi down the runway unchallenged and with no clearance to do so.
On the night of the disappearance, witnesses said the plane moved erratically as it made its way toward the runway, before lining up and taking off without authorisation.
One reason the aircraft may have escaped scrutiny is its role as a cargo plane.
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Converted from use as a passenger lane, it had a large side-loading door – and regular activity around it would not have appeared unusual.
“If people were working on the aircraft, then you wouldn’t see anything out of the ordinary,” Bray explained.
And it was that anonymity has fuelled suspicions the aircraft may have been used for illicit cargo – such as drugs.
“Nobody really is going to look inside the aircraft because it’s of no interest to them. It’s just an object,” Bray said.
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The plane was reportedly filled with around 14,000 gallons of fuel at the time of take-off – enough for roughly 1,500 miles of flight.
Bray said this suggests a deliberate plan rather than an impulsive escape.
“You won’t take off unless you’ve got a tank full of petrol,” he added.
By switching off its transponder and radio systems, the aircraft had erased itself from tracking networks.
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Without a flight plan or handoff to air traffic control, it became invisible.
The jet headed south-west – a direction that leads over vast stretches of ocean, but also toward remote regions of Africa dotted with disused wartime airstrips.
“In that region, there are loads of old, World War Two airstrips,” Bray said.
“If it’s not going to take off again, then they wouldn’t be too worried about how it lands.”
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The aircraft vanished from radar after heading south-west from Luanda, AngolaCredit: AlamyThe disappearance sparked theories of crime, terrorism, or a chilling hostage situationCredit: EPA
Drugs, crime, or terror?
Speculation about why the aircraft vanished began almost as soon as it left the runway.
Some believe the aircraft was stolen for use in organised crime, potentially transporting high-value contraband such as drugs.
Others pointed to the tense post-9/11 climate as the disappearance occurred less than two years after the September 11 attacks, prompting fears the jet could be used as a weapon.
The missing jet quickly reached the attention of US military and intelligence officials, who triggered a frantic search for what they believed could have been a flying bomb.
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Retired US Marine General Mastin Robeson, who was leading US military operations in the Horn of Africa at the time of the disappearance, said news of the missing Boeing “came up through the intelligence network.”
Robeson said the uncertainty surrounding the aircraft’s intent was serious enough that US Central Command weighed the option of deploying fighter jets to Djibouti, where American forces operate alongside the French military.
He added: “It was never [clear] whether it was stolen for insurance purposes…by the owners, or whether it was stolen with the intent to make it available to unsavory characters, or whether it was a deliberate concerted terrorist attempt. There was speculation of all three.”
No explosion or attack was ever reported.
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Who was flying?
Ben, an American flight engineer and private pilot, and John, a mechanic believed to be from the Democratic Republic of Congo, had both been authorised to work on the aircraft.
But neither was certified to fly a Boeing 727, which normally requires a three-person crew.
Bray said that, while risky, flying the aircraft was still possible.
“If he’s got a pilot’s licence, he knows the principles of flying,” he explained, comparing it to driving a vehicle without the specific class endorsement.
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With a pilot and a mechanic on board, Bray added, there was a “viable flying team.”
Chilling hostage theory
One of the most disturbing theories suggests the men were not acting voluntarily.
Supporters of the hostage theory believe someone may have been on board to ambush them, forcing the aircraft into the air under threat – possibly by targeting their families.
“This has happened in the past,” Bray said.
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“There have been cases where they [criminals] go and kidnap the families and put the pressure on that way.”
He also raised the possibility of collusion, saying: “Was it collusion between the ruling powers and somebody else?
“That’s the easy way to do it, isn’t it?”
Ben’s family said he had spent weeks in Angola overseeing a mechanical overhaul of the aircraft and was preparing it for a repossession flight.
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The aircraft, registered N844AA, has never been seen againCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskAn image of Ben Padilla circulated after his disappearance in May 2003Credit: FBI
According to his brother, the jet had undergone a full check and was declared airworthy – contradicting early reports that it had been abandoned or unmaintained.
Joseph said his brother was not licensed to fly a Boeing 727 and was never meant to pilot the aircraft.
He was working as a flight engineer and mechanic and was responsible for hiring a qualified pilot and co-pilot for the planned departure.
He believed the aircraft was taken while his brother was running engine checks near the runway – suggesting someone may already have been on board.
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“I feel that when my brother was checking the engines, someone was on the plane and hijacked him,” he wrote back in 2003.
Joseph also pointed to his brother’s views following 9/11, saying he had once told family members that if he were ever caught in a hijacking scenario, he would deliberately crash the aircraft rather than allow it to be used as a weapon.
The family say Ben remained in contact with them shortly before the jet disappearance.
He had promised to call after learning his mother had suffered a heart attack. But that call that never came.
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For his brother, he was convinced something went wrong inside the aircraft before it ever left Angolan airspace.
What most likely happened
Despite investigations involving US authorities, including the FBI and CIA, no confirmed sightings or debris have ever emerged.
A reported sighting in West Africa weeks later was quickly dismissed.
But Bray believes the most likely explanation is simple, saying: “I think it landed somewhere.”
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He believes the aircraft could have touched down on a remote airstrip and been stripped, hidden or abandoned.
The alternative, he said, is equally bleak.
“The plane just carried on till it ran out of fuel, then ditched,” he said.
Either way, the Boeing 727 that lifted silently into the Angolan sky remains missing with no wreckage, no answers, and no clear ending.
Carol Kirkwood in ‘denial’ over leaving BBC as she presents final weather forecasts
It might be April Fools’ Day, but Carol Kirkwood has left the BBC after almost 30 years – and it’s no prank.
Kirkwood, 63, hosted her final weather update on BBC Breakfaston Wednesday morning (1 April), much to the sadness of viewers and hosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent – and she broke down in tears while thanking viewers for “letting me be a part of your lives”.
The special celebratory episode saw Kirkwood receive messages from a flurry of recognisable faces, including singer Bryan Adams, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and former BBC Breakfast host Susanna Reid. She was also reunited with the dog that famously pulled off screen while she hosted the weather from the Chelsea Flower Show in 2021.
She was also presented with several gifts, including a special painting from Mr Men illustrator Adam Hargreaves depciting her as “Little Miss Sunshine” and a bunch of flowers from her husband Steve Randall. “You told me you weren’t coming in! You’re in trouble,” Kirkwood joked as Randall joined her on the sofa.
Kirkwood joined the BBC Weather Centre in April 1998 and began broadcasting on the BBC News channel, before making regular appearances on BBC One. She has been BBC Breakfast’s main weather presenter since 2010.
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Find updates from Kirkwood’s final weather broadcast below.
‘Thank you for letting me a part of your lives’
Carol Kirkwood fought back tears while addressing the nation before retiring from the BBC.
“This is a forecast I’ve known for quite a while was coming, but that doesn’t make it easier to present because after 28 years as s a BBC weather presenter, tracking storms, chasing sunshine and occasionally getting it completely wrong, I’m saying goodbye. When I first walked into this studio, I could never have imagined the journey ahead.
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“Back then, the graphics were simpler, the maps were clunkier and I had a lot less grey hair than I do, but one thing has never changed, and that is the privilege and honour of being welcomed into your homes. Thank you for trusting me – you’ve been the constant in all of this and I’ve never taken that for granted. I’m really going to miss you.
“As for what comes next, for once I don’t have a detailed forecast – but I do know this: it’s time for a new chapter and perhaps the luxury of watching the weather instead of presenting it. Thank you for letting me be a part of your lives.”
(BBC)
Jacob Stolworthy1 April 2026 09:32
Carol surprised by husband Steve
“You told me you weren’t coming in! You’re in trouble,” Carol jokes while being presented with a huge bunch of flowers from her husband, police officer Steve Randall.
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Steve says it’s going to be “the best thing ever” to have Carol at home more – and not just because he also wakes up at 2.45am to make his wife a cuppa while she gets ready to go into the studio.
(BBC)
Jacob Stolworthy1 April 2026 09:26
Naga Munchetty keeps things ‘grounded’
Naga Munchetty swings by to say goodbye to Carol – and deploys her usual wry tone when celebrating the weather host.
“I’m just waiting for the countdown for you to go!” she quips before presenting her with a painting by Mr Men’s illustrator Adam Hargreaves, depicting Carol as – you guessed it – Little Miss Sunshine.
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“I will treasure this!” she says, holding back tears.
(BBC)
Jacob Stolworthy1 April 2026 09:22
Brian Cox reads poem written by BBC colleague
In what could be the most random celebration yet, Scottish actor Brian Cox is reading a poem written by Carol’s BBC colleague Patrick Gearey.
I’d personally give the poem a solid three out of five.
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Jacob Stolworthy1 April 2026 09:18
Keir Starmer calls Carol Kirkwood ‘staple’ of TV
Prime Minister Keir Starmer sent Carol Kirkwood “best wishes for the next chapter” and praised her “sunny disposition” in a video message (that she definitely didn’t enjoy as much as the one she got from Bryan Adams earlier in the episode).
Jacob Stolworthy1 April 2026 09:15
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The ‘celebrity’ that’s eluded Carol Kirkwood over the years
She’s met high-profile stars over the years, but one star that she’s failed to meet is, um… Larry the Cat, the tabby cat residing at 10 Downing Street. But this was rectified earlier this week.
“I’m in love!” she declared. “What a lovely wee man. He was a delight. He’s so soft. He’s the perfect gentleman.”
(BBC)
Jacob Stolworthy1 April 2026 09:14
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Carol presents final BBC weather segment
…and it played out like any other segment she’s presented for the last 28 years. After telling the UK to prepare for cold and windy weather, hosts Sally Nugent and Jon Kay applauded her, telling her it was “perfect”.
“Shame about the weather, though,” Kay added.
(BBC)
Jacob Stolworthy1 April 2026 09:08
Carol is reunited with dog that pulled her off screen
It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Flash, the dog that famously yanked Carol out of shot at Chelsea Flower Show in 2021, was brought into the studio for the outgoing weather presenter’s final show – and proceeded to whip her with her wagging tail.
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“I’m gonna have a bruise,” Carol quipped. “Again!” host Sally Nugent replied.
(BBC)
Jacob Stolworthy1 April 2026 08:57
‘You’ve set the tone’
Moving words from host Jon Kay:
“There are dozens and dozens of people in the gallery on the studio floor, in the newsroom, and you mean just as much to all of them. You’ve set the tone, you really have, for all of us on this programme over the years. Your legacy will continue. We will be more Carol.”
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Jacob Stolworthy1 April 2026 08:56
Rival breakfast shows merge with Susanna Reid tribute
It’s a very special occasion when ITV and BBC coalesce – and that happened for Carol’s final episode. Former BBC Breakfast host Susanna Reid sent a tribute from the studio where she films rival breakfast show Good Morning Britain.
“Remember the time I was sitting alongside Bill Turnbull and you told us we were going to experience temperatures of 99 degrees celsius across the UK, causing a slightly bemused nation to wonder how to dress for the day ahead!”
Dame Esther was discussing assisted dying on the show, something she is passionate about as she believes people should be given an option to end their suffering with medical help when they are ill.
The Childline founder and former broadcaster was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in January 2023, and has since been a leading voice in the campaign to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales.
While speaking over the phone and during her response, she used the word ‘crap’, which Kate apologised for.
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Good Morning Britain presenters over the years
Although she acknowledged the blunder, Kate found the humour in it and said that she forgave Dame Esther for the language used.
GMB rounded up the conversation in a video on X, leaving out the blunder from Dame Esther, commenting: “Dame Esther Rantzen has claimed that most people in Britain “want and need” the assisted dying bill and has spent the last few years campaigning for the bill.”
Before Rantzen spoke over the phone, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, who opposes the assisted dying bill, had her say.
The GMB coverage this morning comes as “supporters and opponents of the Assisted Dying Bill have now acknowledged that the legislation will not become law in the current session of Parliament”, it explained in a post on X.
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She said at the moment, there are still lots of amendments that haven’t been debated.
Recommended reading:
What is the assisted dying bill?
The assisted dying bill is being campaigned for by people who believe that when people are ill, they should have a choice to medically end their life to stop suffering from an illness.
Do you think the assisted dying bill should be passed? Let us know in the comments below.
A whopping £5000 was raised to be split between the DreamMaker Foundation, who helps kids with life-limiting illnesses and Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
Anglers from across Lanarkshire gathered in the Clyde Valley to mark the start of this year’s salmon season.
Wishaw charity king Les Hoey, from the DreamMaker Foundation, was delighted to be part of the ceremony with the Clyde Valley of the United Clyde Angling Protective Association (UCAPA) members.
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On the day a whopping £5000 was raised to be split between the DreamMaker Foundation, who helps kids with life-limiting illnesses and Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) which provides the country’s only hospice services for children and young people with life-shortening conditions, and services across children’s homes and hospitals.
Brian Pender, from the United Clyde Angling Protective Association (UCAPA), said: “I have known Les for over 30 years and the work he does for the charity is fantastic.
“UCAPA raised £5,000 with our raffle and auction at our salmon open day which we held at the Popinjay Hotel with half going to Les and the other half going to CHAS.
“The day itself was excellent with a large number of people attending.”
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Les and the DreamMaker team were absolutely delighted with the bumper donation from the anglers.
He said: “We are very grateful for this huge amount at the opening of the salmon season on the Clyde.
“It’s a great amount and we really appreciate it.”
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Meanwhile, Les and the team are on the hunt for businesses across Lanarkshire to help raise funds for the charity by placing a donation tin in their shop or store.
In a statement on its website, the DreamMaker Foundation state: “We’re reaching out to businesses across Scotland to help us raise vital funds for our wee DreamMakers.
“By placing one of our donation tins at your till, you can make a real impact in your community and help those in need all across Scotland.
“Simply allow us to place a donation tin at your checkout. Your customers will have the opportunity to contribute while they shop.
“It’s easy, effective, and a small gesture that can make a BIG difference. Every penny counts in supporting families all across mainland Scotland and the Isles!
“If you would like to take a tin in your business please call DreamHQ at 01698 372052 or message our Facebook page. Thank you for your support!”
Tickets are also available for the DreamMaker Foundation Ball on September 12. You can reserve your tickets by calling 01698 372052.
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And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
The housing construction company is looking to submit a planning application soon
A housing construction company is looking to submit a planning application to use farmland on the edge a Cambridgeshire town for a new housing development. Bellway Strategic Land wants to use Dexter’s Farm, which can be found along the A1198 just outside Godmanchester, to create a residential development of up to 260 new homes.
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Bellway’s proposal says the area would feature up to 260 new homes with around 80 of them being affordable to help people “get onto the housing ladder”. In its proposal, Bellway said: “In the East of England, Huntingdonshire has the fifth highest number of people on the housing waiting list register and therefore has some of the most acute need in terms of affordable housing.”
Huntingdonshire District Council has identified the area as a potential site for new homes. The site has been described as “well-located” with a primary school close by, local facilities including a Co-op food store, and good transport links.
As well as homes, the site will also features green spaces including habitats for wildlife and play areas for children. A new roundabout would be created on the A1198 and the 30mph speed limit will be extended to slow traffic around the area.
Bellway ran a public consultation period from Friday, February 13, until Friday, February 27, to allow residents to share their opinions on the possible new development. The company is planning to submit its application by the end of spring.
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Residents will then be notified by Huntingdonshire District Council and will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the plans.
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The news came as a major shock to the region’s golfing community – with a letter from the owners, who took over in 2018, saying it was an “incredibly difficult decision”.
Since the announcement to members, questions have remained over the future of the 18-hole course and what will become of the site.
Speculation has been rife over what could become of the land – with some fearing it could be used to facilitate new housing developments.
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Dinsdale Golf Club (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
But Darlington Borough Council has now confirmed that no planning applications have been made in relation to the site.
A council spokesperson said: “We have not received any planning applications in relation to the golf club.”
It comes after Cllr Colin Pease, independent ward councillor for Sadberge and Middleton St George, said last week that he was told no enquiries had been made about the land.
Dinsdale Spa is now the third course near or in Darlington to close in recent times after the original Blackwell Grange course in 2013 and Hallgarth Hotel’s nine holes in 2025.
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The owners of the Dinsdale Golf Club have not issued a public statement on the closure, but did send a letter to members confirming the news.
The letter said: “There is never a perfect way to make these announcements, however, we wanted to write to you personally to let you know that Dinsdale Golf Club will be closing from April 1.
Dinsdale Golf Club (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
“This has been an incredibly difficult decision and not one we have taken lightly.
“Since arriving in 2018, we have poured our hearts into the club, improving the course, enhancing the facilities and rebuilding Dinsdale.
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“The club has been far more than a business to us, it’s been a central part of our lives.
“However, after dedicating ourselves fully to the day-to-day demands, we have come to the decision that now is the right time to step away and prioritise our families and other parts of life that have taken a back seat for far too long.”
Many have voiced their sadness over the closure of the club, including Hurworth Councillor Lorraine Tostevin, who said it was a “real shame”.
The Northern Echo has attempted to contact the club owners on several occasions but has yet to receive any correspondence.
I’ve spent a lot of time with Derek over the years. We did plenty of sparring very early on in my career. Since then, I see him around all the time because Derek is absolutely everywhere – at every show and every event.
He has always been congratulatory of me, almost proud of me in a sense. I remember when I won my British title, he was one of the first people to FaceTime me the next morning to say well done.
Derek was also one of the only people, aside from my own team, who backed me going into both the Joseph Parker and Daniel Dubois fights. He’s always been on my side, so I’ve got a lot of love and respect for him.
When I first heard about him taking on Wilder – I have to be honest, it was quite a surprise.
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It seemed like both guys had bigger fish to fry – there was talk of Derek getting a world-title shot against me, and Wilder was being lined up by Oleksandr Usyk.
Pulling away from those possibilities to fight each other was random, but the more I thought about it, the more it made sense.
This has that intriguing dynamic of two guys with 50 fights each. For me, it’s really a question of who’s still got what in the tank.
The momentum is with Derek. He’s been in with more lively opponents, proving himself better. He’s still got the energy, the durability and the power to deal with opponents and give them problems.
Pedro Pascal worked in the entertainment industry for decades before being catapulted to worldwide fame after appearances in hit shows like Game of Thrones, The Mandalorian and many more
Jess Flaherty Senior News Reporter
06:01, 01 Apr 2026
Pedro Pascal’s coffee order caused a flurry of division among fans. The beloved actor, who turns 51 this week, has enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years, after decades of work which went relatively unnoticed to wider audiences.
The Mandalorian star had worked for around 20 years in the industry, taking small bit parts on television shows – including a one episode stint in the season four premiere of the cult classic series Buffy the Vampire Slayer – as well on stage, before finally getting his big break when he was cast as the swashbuckling, quick-witted Oberyn Martell on HBO’s Game of Thrones in 2014.
He followed this with a lead role in Netflix’s crime series, Narcos, before being catapulted to global superstardom by playing Din Djarin in the Disney+ science fiction series, The Mandalorian, which ran from 2019 until 2023.
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In 2023, Pascal was cast as Joel Miller in HBO’s post-apocalyptic drama, The Last of Us, opposite Bella Ramsey, and he has acted in a string of film roles.
His celebrity status has come with major internet fame, with countless fans playfully branding him “daddy” thanks, in part, to his many father figure roles and his charming, affable nature in real life.
The acclaimed actor’s Starbucks order drew major attention when it was shared online. Originally, a fan filmed a lucky chance-meeting with the star on the streets of New York, where he signed a Mandalorian doll for her.
In the footage, he was seen dressed in a Canada Goose jacket and jeans, while holding a bottle of water and a clear Starbucks takeaway cup, with his order ticket still attached.
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Eagle-eyed fans were quick to decipher exactly what he’d ordered from the renowned coffee shop chain – an “ice [quadruple] espresso in a Venti cup, extra ice, six shots”.
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A screenshot of the fan video was shared on Reddit, where someone wrote: “I’m not a coffee drinker but according to the Internet that is A LOT of caffeine. I just thought this might be interesting to y’all since Starbucks orders are always fun intel!”
In the comments section, fellow Reddit users were keen to share their thoughts. One person said: “Lol I just watched his Hot Ones interview where he says he can’t get a good night’s sleep…”
Another quipped: “Dude definitely has manic highly caffeinated vibes lmao.”
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Some theorised his Chilean-American roots may have something to do with his preference for stronger coffee.
One said: “Coffee in the US is not at all as strong as it is in Latin America so I get him.”
Another agreed: “I know people who get this, it’s basically a strong iced Americano. The point is to get extra ice and a bigger cup so that the ice melts and dilutes the espresso but the drink stays cool.
“It’s popular with people who come from places where the coffee is stronger than standard US or Canadian coffee.”
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Someone else said: “His order is not nearly as bad as the coffee wannabe drinks people have created for them at Starbucks with 1,000,000 grams of sugar and milk.”
Many fans were adamant his order wasn’t weird or unusual.
On the original TikTok video, one social media user said: “How the hell he be drinking that?? I would stay awake for an entire week.”
Another said: “BRO GETS SIX SHOTS???” And another added: “I love that he drinks a 6 shotter over some ice.”
Indian consumers could soon face higher beer prices and potential supply disruptions as global brewers operating in the country grapple with escalating costs driven by a gas shortage linked to the Iran war.
The conflict has led to a surge in the price of glass bottles and significant shipping delays for aluminium, crucial for can production.
India, the world’s fourth-largest importer of natural gas, is particularly susceptible to fuel availability issues, relying heavily on the Middle East for its supply, with approximately 40 per cent sourced from Qatar.
Iranian attacks have partially hampered Qatar’s export capacity, tightening gas availability for Indian manufacturers.
The Brewers Association of India, representing major players such as Heineken, said glass bottle prices have soared by around 20 per cent. (Getty/iStock)
The Brewers Association of India, representing major players such as Heineken, Anheuser-Busch InBev, and Carlsberg, informed Reuters that glass bottle prices have soared by around 20 per cent. Additionally, paper carton rates have doubled, alongside increases for other essential packaging materials like labels and tape.
Gas is essential to keeping furnaces and production lines running, and shortages have forced several glass bottle makers to partially or fully halt operations.
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Aluminium can suppliers have also warned of possible reductions just as India heads into its peak summer season, when beer sales typically rise.
“We are asking for price increases in the range of 12-15 per cent,” the association’s director general Vinod Giri told Reuters. “We have advised our member companies to individually approach states.”
The rising cost of production is making some operations unsustainable, he added.
Heineken’s India unit United Breweries UBBW.NS, Anheuser-Busch InBev and Carlsberg did not respond to Reuters queries.
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The market was worth $7.8 billion in 2024, and is expected to double by 2030, Grand View Research says. Heineken alone accounts for roughly half the market, while AB InBev and Carlsberg each account for 19 per cent, the association said.
While the three companies dominate India’s beer sector, many smaller players such as Bira and Simba also operate in the market.
Glass and plastics industry crisis
Beer and liquor sales in India have grown steadily alongside rising urbanisation and a young, increasingly affluent population.
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The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies, which represents many domestic companies, said it has written to several states seeking price adjustments to offset rising freight, logistics and input costs.
India’s alcohol sector is tightly regulated, and raising retail prices typically requires approval. Around two-thirds of India’s 28 states must authorise changes.
“Brewers may find it difficult to maintain supplies in states that do not allow price increases,” the association said.
Some glass bottle vendors are warning their clients of reduced supplies and have increased their prices.
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Nitin Agarwal, CEO of Fine Art Glass Works in Firozabad, a glass-making hub in northern Uttar Pradesh state, said he has cut production by 40 per cent at his glass bottle making factory due to gas shortages. His customers include many liquor companies as well as producers of juice and ketchup bottles.
“We’ve cut production and increased prices by 17-18 per cent,” Agarwal said.
The shortages have already affected India’s $5 billion bottled water market with some producers increasing prices by 11 per cent due to rising rates of plastic bottles and caps.
And there are signs the crisis is spreading.
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An executive at Lotte Chilsung Beverage, one of the leading South Korean soft drinks companies, told Reuters that it has up to three months of inventory for plastic bottles and plastic materials.
Dr Emily Leeming says we are consuming ‘only about 60 per cent of the essential nutrient for heart health, blood sugar balance and gut health
Howard Lloyd Regional content editor, Sophie Buchan Money and Lifestyle Writer and Chloe Dobinson Digital Production Editor
04:00, 01 Apr 2026
A health expert has called on Brits to boost their consumption of a particular nutrient renowned for lowering cholesterol, managing blood sugar, and keeping you feeling fuller for longer. According to the National Diet and Nutrition Survey, more than 90 per cent of adults in the UK aren’t getting enough fibre.
Dr Emily Leeming, a scientist, dietician and author, describes it as the ‘forgotten nutrient’, observing that the average British person consumes just around 60 per cent of the recommended daily intake. The NHS highlights that a diet rich in fibre is associated with a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer, reports Surrey Live.
Yet, targeting roughly 30g daily can help maintain a healthy, balanced diet. To put this into context, half a cup of porridge oats delivers 9g of fibre, while two carrots provide 6g. An apple offers approximately 5g, and a pear adds 6g.
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Dr Leeming explained: “We’re missing about 40 per cent of that recommended 30 grammes of fibre that we need a day.”
She went on to stress the significance of this neglected nutrient: “This forgotten nutrient that we need to be paying attention to. It helps with your heart health, it helps to soak up bad cholesterol for that to be removed from your body as waste, it helps to balance your blood sugar levels, giving you longer-lasting energy, so it’s not only just helping with your gut microbiome, it’s having many other benefits in your body too.”
Why fibre matters
Fibre is a plant-based carbohydrate found in foods such as wholegrains and vegetables, commonly referred to as roughage. It’s essential for keeping your digestive system working properly.
By feeding the good bacteria in the large intestine, it helps create a varied and healthy microbiome (the community of gut bacteria). This can reduce inflammation in the intestines while potentially lowering the risk of both diverticulitis and bowel cancer, reports the Express.
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Studies show that eating fibre-rich foods can support weight management by keeping you feeling fuller for longer. Choosing high-fibre options increases satiety, while a diet rich in fibre can improve digestion and prevent constipation.
Research indicates that people who eat more fibre typically have lower body weight, reduced blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels – all positive factors for heart health. Fibre-rich foods also help control blood sugar levels, as they don’t trigger the same sharp spikes as their low-fibre equivalents.
Different types of fibre
Heart UK explains that you may have come across the terms ‘soluble fibre’ and ‘insoluble fibre’. These phrases are frequently used to categorise the different types of fibre in our diets.
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Soluble fibre absorbs water in the gut. It’s found in:
oats
barley
pulses (such as beans, peas and lentils)
some fruits and vegetables
Insoluble fibres do not dissolve in water. They are primarily found in:
wholegrains, especially the bran part of the grain
vegetables
the seeds and skin of fruits
How can I eat more fibre?
To boost your fibre consumption, you could: Dr Leeming concluded: “When I talk about fibre, the key foods that I really want to talk about are what I call the BGBGs.
“That’s beans, greens, berries, grains, and nuts and seeds. What might surprise people is that the highest-fibre foods are whole grains, nuts and seeds, and beans – much more so than most fruits and vegetables, which I think is quite counter-intuitive for some people.”
According to the NHS, children require lower amounts of fibre in their diet. Those between the ages of 2 and 5 should consume approximately 15g of fibre daily. Children aged 5 to 11 require around 20g, while those aged 11 to 16 need roughly 25g per day.
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