Condom Prices May Surge As Iran Conflict Disrupts Global Supplies

Last Updated:April 22, 2026, 21:45 IST

Karex CEO says rising costs linked to oil and shipping are forcing price increases

The world’s largest condom manufacturer has warned that prices could rise sharply as the ongoing Iran conflict disrupts global supply chains.

Malaysia-based Karex, which produces more than five billion condoms annually, said it may increase prices by up to 30 percent or more if the situation continues, according to a report in the BBC.

The company supplies major global brands as well as public health systems, including the UK’s National Health Service.

Karex chief executive Goh Miah Kiat said production costs have surged since the conflict began, largely due to disruptions in oil supply routes.

The problem became more serious when Iran warned that it would target ships in the Strait of Hormuz following the strikes by the United States and Israel on its nuclear facilities. About one-fifth of all crude oil and liquefied natural gas flows through the strait.

Consequently, the shortage has disrupted the supplies needed for producing condoms. Among other things, Karex uses products made from oil, including ammonia for preserving latex and silicone for lubrication. As oil prices and shipping costs rise, so do manufacturing expenses.

At the same time, demand has increased.

According to Kiat, demand for condoms has risen by around 30 percent this year, adding further pressure to an already strained supply chain.

“In bad times, the need to use condoms is even more because you’re uncertain with your future," he said in an interview, pointing to economic uncertainty as a factor driving demand.

The price warning highlights how the Iran conflict is affecting consumer goods beyond energy markets. Higher costs for fuel have resulted in higher prices for airline tickets, more expensive fertilizer, and issues for industries like bottled water and chip making.

The United Nations has also warned of increase in the cost of consumer products such as sugar, dairy products, and fruits due to high transportation costs as a consequence of the ongoing war.

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