CONDOM PRICES MAY RISE BY UP TO 30% AMID IRAN WAR KAREX CEO WARNS

CONDOM PRICES MAY RISE BY UP TO 30% AMID IRAN WAR KAREX CEO WARNS Global condom prices could rise sharply by as much as 30% or more if the ongoing Iran conflict continues to disrupt supply chains and production costs, according to the world’s largest condom manufacturer. The warning was issued by the chief executive of Malaysia-based Karex, a company responsible for producing billions of condoms annually for international brands and public health programmes worldwide. Karex CEO Goh Miah Kiat said escalating tensions linked to the Iran war have pushed up the cost of key raw materials used in condom manufacturing. These include petrochemical-based inputs such as synthetic rubber, nitrile and packaging materials, all of which are closely tied to global energy markets affected by Middle East instability. He noted that the company may increase prices by 20% to 30%, and potentially beyond that level if disruptions persist. “We have no choice but to transfer the costs right now,” the executive said, citing rising logistics expenses and strained supply chains. According to the company, global shipping delays have worsened as the conflict affects maritime routes and energy flows.Deliveries to Europe and the United States now take nearly two months compared with about one month previously, contributing to shortages among distributors and health organisations. At the same time, demand for condoms has reportedly increased by around 30% this year as buyers attempt to secure supplies amid uncertainty. Karex manufactures more than five billion condoms annually and supplies major international brands as well as public health systems and United Nations-backed programmes. Industry analysts warn that sustained price increases could affect access to affordable sexual health products, particularly in developing countries where subsidised supplies play a crucial role in HIV prevention and family planning initiatives. Higher retail prices could also be passed directly to consumers if manufacturers and distributors absorb rising operating costs. The potential price hike highlights how geopolitical conflicts can ripple through unexpected sectors of the global economy. Rising oil prices and disruptions to petrochemical production key components in many consumer goods are already affecting manufacturers beyond the energy industry. Experts say continued instability in the region could trigger further inflationary pressure across healthcare and consumer products worldwide. While Karex says it currently has sufficient inventory for the coming months, executives warn that prolonged conflict may tighten supplies further, forcing manufacturers across the sector to adjust pricing strategies. Observers note that the situation underscores the fragile nature of global supply chains, where military conflicts thousands of miles away can directly influence everyday consumer goods