Tough Moment: Condom Prices To Rise By 30% As Iran War Shakes Supply Chains

By Swift Reporter 

Global condom prices are expected to increase sharply after Karex Berhad, the world’s largest producer, announced plans to raise prices by up to 30 percent amid ongoing supply chain disruptions linked to the Iran war.

The Malaysia-based manufacturer, which produces more than five billion condoms annually for leading brands such as Durex and Trojan, said the increase is being driven by surging costs of raw materials and logistics.

In a statement, Chief Executive Officer Goh Miah explained that the conflict, which escalated in late February, has significantly disrupted global supply chains, pushing up the cost of key inputs including synthetic rubber, nitrile, aluminium foil, and silicone oil.

“The situation is fragile and costs are rising across the board. We have no choice but to pass these increases on to customers,” he said.

The company, which also supplies public health systems such as the National Health Service and supports United Nations-backed health programmes, warned that the ripple effects could be felt globally, particularly in developing countries that rely heavily on subsidised or imported contraceptives.

Shipping delays have further compounded the situation. Deliveries to major markets in Europe and the United States are now taking nearly two months double the usual timeframe leaving distributors struggling with low inventory levels.

At the same time, demand has surged as buyers rush to secure stock amid uncertainty over freight timelines, putting additional pressure on supply.

Goh cautioned that lower-income countries could face the greatest challenges due to limited reserves and slower restocking capacity, raising concerns among public health stakeholders about potential disruptions to family planning and disease prevention programmes.

Despite the challenges, Karex said it has sufficient inventory to meet short-term demand and is working to ramp up production in response to the global squeeze.

The company joins a growing list of manufacturers, including medical glove producers, grappling with supply chain bottlenecks triggered by the ongoing conflict, underscoring the far-reaching economic impact of geopolitical instability.