Condom manufacturers may raise prices because of Iran war

Malaysia: The chief executive of the world’s largest condom manufacturer has warned that prolonged disruption linked to the Iran conflict could drive up condom prices worldwide.

Karex CEO Goh Miah Kiat told Reuters the company may need to increase prices by 20 to 30 percent, depending on how long supply chain disruptions continue. Shipping routes and raw material flows have been affected since late February amid tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.

“The situation is definitely very fragile, prices are expensive,” Goh said, adding that the company has little choice but to pass rising costs on to customers.

Malaysia-based Karex manufactures over five billion condoms annually and exports to more than 130 countries. Its brands include ONE, Trustex, Carex and Pasante, alongside personal lubricants and medical products.

The company said it is also facing shipping delays, with products stranded at sea and unable to reach destinations on time.

Industry experts say the impact extends beyond oil prices. Shortages of petrochemical feedstocks such as naphtha, silicon oil and ammonia — used in packaging and condom production — are increasing manufacturing costs across Asia.

Karex said current supplies remain sufficient for the next few months, but longer disruption could put additional pressure on prices and global availability.