Michael Gwarisa
The world’s largest condom manufacturer, Karex Berhad, has signalled a potential 30 percent rise in condom prices due to pressures linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
The company cautioned that prices could climb even further if the war continues to disrupt access to key raw materials needed for production.
This development could have implications for markets such as Zimbabwe, where brands like Carex Condoms are widely used. Karex chief executive Goh Miah Kiat said production costs have surged significantly since the conflict escalated.
Headquartered in Malaysia, Karex manufactures more than five billion condoms annually and supplies major global brands such as Durex and Trojan, as well as public health systems including the National Health Service.
Goh shared these insights in separate interviews with Reuters and Bloomberg, while the BBC has reached out to the company for comment.
Global oil supply chains have been rattled after Iran reacted to airstrikes by the United States and Israel, warning it could target vessels moving through the Strait of Hormuz.
The disruption has effectively restricted movement through the vital waterway, triggering widespread supply chain challenges. Roughly one fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, along with other petrochemicals, typically pass through this corridor.
Karex depends on oil-derived inputs, including ammonia used in latex preservation and silicone-based lubricants essential for condom production.
According to Goh, demand for condoms has increased by about 30 percent this year, while higher freight costs and shipping delays have compounded supply constraints.
“In bad times, the need to use condoms is even more because you’re uncertain with your future, whether you’d still have a job next year,” he told Bloomberg.
“If you have a baby right now, you’ll have one more mouth to feed,” he added.
The anticipated rise in condom prices highlights how the conflict is not only affecting global energy markets but also driving up the cost of everyday consumer goods.
Air travel has already been impacted, with economy fares rising by an average of 24 percent compared to last year, according to recent research.
At the same time, shipping disruptions in the Gulf have contributed to rising fertiliser costs and shortages of helium, a key component in semiconductor manufacturing.
The bottled water sector is also feeling the strain as manufacturers struggle to secure raw materials.
Earlier this month, the United Nations warned that the cost of sugar, dairy and fruit is likely to increase due to higher transportation expenses.
Meanwhile, the status of peace negotiations between the United States and Iran remained uncertain on Wednesday after Donald Trump indicated that a ceasefire between the two sides would be extended to allow more time for talks. BBC
