New Delhi, May 8: Rooh Afza shortage in Indian market has adversely affected a section of Muslims, who have been traditionally breaking their Ramzan fasts using the rose-flavoured sherbet (drink). Even as demand surges, Rooh Afza is scarcely available due to a halt in its production at the Ghaziabad unit.

While the company has claimed "shortage of raw materials" as failure to send adequate supply to the market, reporters have learnt that the ongoing legal feud between the promoters is responsible for the lull in production. Indian Political Leaders Wish Muslims on Ramzan 2019.

Hammad Ahmed, the great grandson of Hamdard India founder Hakeem Hafiz Abdul Majeed, has filed a lawsuit against his cousin brother and CEO Abdul Majeed, alleging that he has illegally usurped the company's ownership.

Even as consumers in India are longing for their most favoured summer drink to hit the stores, the Hamdard Pakistan has offered to send supplies to the neighbouring nation.

"We can supply Rooh Afza and Rooh Afza Go to India during this Ramzan. We can easily send trucks through Wagah border if permitted by Indian Government," said Pakistan Hamdard's CEO Usama Qureshi. Rooh Afza Go is the aerated version of the century-old drink.

Notably, the Pakistan Hamdard shares the same ancestry with its Indian counterpart. While the latter was founded in early 1900s by Hakeem Hafiz Abdul Majeed, his son Hakeem Mohammed Said migrated across the borders in 1948 and founded the company's Pakistani arm.

Despite sharing the same ancestry, the Indian and Pakistani chapters of Hamdard are two separate entities. The rift between Majid brothers in India has allowed their counterpart across the border to usurp the market share in Bangladesh and Afghanistan -- the two nations where Hamdard India used to send supplies.

Reports have claimed that the Rooh Afza imported from Pakistan could cost upto Rs 375 per bottle, as compared to the cost of Rs 145 levied by Hamdard India.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 08, 2019 12:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).