India is experiencing a surge in demand for oral rehydration drinks amid an intense heatwave, with Electral sales rising 27% in March, according to market research firm Pharma Trac. Overall sales of oral electrolytes jumped from ₹85 crore in January to ₹106.5 crore in March. The market, valued at ₹8.5 lakh crore annually, is driven by rising temperatures and a seasonal spike in heat-related illnesses.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted above-normal temperatures and more heatwave days across most regions in the country from April to June.
India is currently experiencing a significant surge in demand for dehydration-preventing drinks, driven by an intense heatwave sweeping across the country. The Market research firm PharmaTrac reported a sharp 27% increase in sales of the popular oral electrolyte brand Electral in March, attributing the spike to the country’s “unusually high temperatures.”
Sales of oral rehydration solutions rose from ₹85 crore in January to ₹106.5 crore in March this year, highlighting a strong month-on-month growth. Electral led the pack, with sales climbing to ₹40 crore in March alone — the highest among all oral electrolyte brands. Johnson & Johnson’s ORS-L also recorded a substantial rise, with March sales reaching over ₹9 crore, up from ₹6 crore in January in India’s domestic pharmaceutical retail market.
On a moving annual total (MAT) basis, the dehydration drink market has grown to ₹8.5 lakh crore. The oral electrolyte segment is showing a strong five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR), primarily driven by Electral, which accounts for nearly 50% of the market share. The market is expected to continue expanding in the coming months as temperatures rise further across the subcontinent.
According to Sheetal Sapale, VP- Commercial at PharmaTrac, the market exhibits a seasonal trend, with consumption rising from February onward as temperatures begin to climb. Although the monsoon typically arrives around June-July, consumption remains elevated during this period due to the increased incidence of water-borne illnesses such as dysentery and diarrhea, which often require oral electrolytes as part of the treatment.
Surge in heat-induced health issues
Healthcare professionals across India are reporting a significant rise in heat-related health issues as the country grapples with intense heatwaves. Hospitals have observed an uptick in cases of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and digestive disorders. Doctors have warned that exposure to extreme heat can lead to various health problems, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
In Delhi, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert (colour code, ‘yellow’ alert stands for “be aware”) after temperatures soared to 40.2°C in early April. It has advised people to avoid heat exposure, wear lightweight, light-coloured and loose cotton clothes, and cover their heads.
Dr. Mukesh Mehra, Senior Director of Internal Medicine at Max Super Speciality Hospital in Patparganj, Delhi, highlighted that extreme heat can overwhelm the body’s natural cooling system, leading to severe health consequences such as heatstroke, which manifests with symptoms like confusion, rapid heartbeat, and even seizures.
In Mumbai, Dr. Vipulroy Rathod, Director of Gastroenterology at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, has noted a significant rise in digestive disorders across all age groups—from young individuals to the elderly—compared to a decade ago. As heatwave conditions intensify, prevention is the best protection. The Doctors recommend staying well-hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during peak sunlight hours, and wearing light, breathable clothing.
IMD’s outlook for the Hot Weather season (April to June)
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), during the hot weather season of April to June (AMJ) 2025, most parts of the country are expected to experience above-normal maximum temperatures. However, some areas in the western peninsular region and isolated parts of east-central and eastern India are likely to see normal maximum temperatures. Additionally, a higher-than-normal number of heatwave days is expected over much of the north and eastern peninsula, central India, eastern India, and the plains of northwest India during this period.
During heatwaves, high temperatures pose serious threats, particularly to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and individuals with existing health conditions. These populations are more prone to heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can also lead to dehydration and place significant stress on infrastructure, including power supplies and transport systems. To mitigate these impacts, it is essential to take anticipatory measures in line with the guidelines of the National and State Disaster Management Authorities and heat action plans. These measures may include ensuring access to cooling centres, issuing timely heat advisories, and implementing strategies to reduce the urban heat island effect in affected areas, among other interventions.
