Iran War Causes Rubber Glove Prices to Soar, Hospitals on Edge
Rubber glove producers have raised prices and warned of production cuts due to the war between the United States (US) and Israel against Iran, which is choking supplies of the main raw material. This situation is causing concern for the healthcare sector, which heavily relies on rubber gloves.
A report from equity research analyst at CIMB Securities, Oong Chun Sung, as cited by Reuters on Friday (17/4/2026), stated that producers have increased the average price of synthetic rubber gloves by around 40%, reaching US$29 for a box of 1,000 pieces.
Ongoing disruptions to the supply chain due to the conflict could lead to a shortage of gloves by the end of May, according to analysts at RHB Malaysia and CIMB Securities.
This situation is sparking concerns in the healthcare sector, especially hospitals.
“In every procedure we perform in the hospital, we must wear gloves,” said Dr Kuljit Singh, President of the Malaysian Private Hospitals Association, in his statement.
“If there is a shortage, it means there will be some difficulties in providing certain services in the healthcare sector,” he added.
Singh noted that “we are a bit cautious and monitoring the situation”, but currently “our suppliers are supplying gloves as usual”.
The core issue is naphtha, a by-product of crude oil refining used to make plastics and other petrochemicals – the basis for everything from paint and polyester to kitchen containers and car parts.
Naphtha prices have surged to all-time highs amid the closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments typically pass.
The US and Iran have shown willingness to negotiate. However, even if a peace agreement is reached soon, analysts warn that supply disruptions and inflationary pressures could continue for months after the war ends.
Fortunately, as a result of lessons learned during the pandemic, both hospitals and glove producers have stockpiled supplies for several months, providing a reserve buffer.