Condom Prices May Rise 30% As Iran War Disrupts Supply Chains

Last Updated:April 22, 2026, 01:41 IST

Iran war disrupts petrochemical supplies and shipping, Manufacturers warns condom prices may rise 20 to 30 percent as costs and delays grow, inventories may last only months.

Safe sex products could soon become more expensive as the ongoing Iran conflict disrupts global supply chains, according to the head of the world’s largest condom manufacturer.

Karex CEO Goh Miah Kiat told Reuters that the company may be forced to raise prices by 20% to 30%, depending on how long the disruptions continue.

The conflict has affected key shipping routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, restricting access to essential raw materials used in production.

“The situation is definitely very fragile, prices are expensive… we have no choice but to transfer the costs to customers," Goh said.

Headquartered in Malaysia, Karex manufactures condoms under brands such as ONE, Trustex, Carex and Pasante, and produces over five billion units annually. The company exports to more than 130 countries.

Goh said rising manufacturing and packaging costs, coupled with shipping delays, are straining supply chains. “We’re seeing a lot more condoms sitting on vessels that have not arrived at their destination but are highly required," he noted, adding that current inventory may only last a few months.

While much attention has been on surging oil and gas prices due to the conflict, experts warn that shortages of petrochemical feedstocks are also impacting industries. These include naphtha, silicon oil and ammonia—key components used in packaging and condom production.

According to industry experts, a significant portion of Asia’s petrochemical supplies comes from the Middle East, making the region particularly vulnerable to disruptions.

Fuel shortages in parts of Southeast Asia, including Myanmar and Cambodia, have further complicated the situation, affecting transportation and factory operations. In some areas, rising fuel costs have even disrupted daily commutes, potentially slowing manufacturing output.

Economists warn that prolonged supply disruptions could lead to broader price increases and reduced consumer spending, with ripple effects across multiple industries beyond energy.

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