Condom Prices Set To Rise As Iran War Disrupts Supply Chains

Global condom prices may rise significantly as supply chain disruptions linked to the ongoing Iran conflict have begin to impact production and distribution, the world’s largest condom manufacturer has warned.

World largest producer, The Karex Berhad, said it planned to increase prices by between 20 and 30 per cent, with the possibility of further adjustments if the disruptions persist. Chief Executive Officer, Goh Miah Kiat, disclosed this in an interview with Reuters on Tuesday.

According to him, rising freight costs and prolonged shipping delays have reduced stock levels among customers, triggering a surge in demand.

“The situation is very fragile. Costs are rising across the board, and we have no option but to pass some of these increases on to customers,” he said.

Karex produces over five billion condoms annually and supplies major global brands such as Durex and Trojan, as well as public health systems, including Britain’s National Health Service and programmes run by the United Nations.

The company is among several manufacturers facing supply bottlenecks as the conflict in the Middle East disrupts energy and petrochemical flows, affecting access to key raw materials.

Goh noted that since the crisis escalated earlier this year, production costs have increased sharply for materials such as synthetic rubber, nitrile, packaging components and lubricants.

Despite having sufficient supplies for the short term, Karex is ramping up production to meet growing global demand, which has risen by about 30 per cent this year.

Shipping timelines have also been affected, with deliveries to Europe and the United States now taking nearly two months, compared to about one month previously.

“We are seeing more shipments delayed at sea, even as demand remains high. Many developing countries are already facing shortages due to these delays,” Goh added.

The situation is further compounded by declining global stockpiles, partly attributed to cuts in foreign aid funding, particularly by the United States Agency for International Development.

Industry observers warned that prolonged disruptions could deepen shortages and push prices higher, especially in low-income countries that rely heavily on donor-supported health supplies.