Iran War Disrupts Supply, Condom Prices Threatened with 30% Increase

JAKARTA – Condom prices are poised to rise as the ongoing Iran war disrupts the global supply chain. This situation was directly stated by the CEO of the world’s largest condom producer.

Quoted from Reuters on Tuesday (22/4/2026), Karex CEO Goh Miah Kiat said the company may have to increase prices by at least 20 to 30 per cent, depending on the duration of the supply disruptions.

Since late February 2026, the global supply chain has been affected by the conflict, particularly due to pressures in the Strait of Hormuz that hinder the distribution of essential raw materials for condom production.

Karex, based in Malaysia, produces a range of products, from condoms and personal lubricants to gloves, medical catheters, and probe protectors.

The company manufactures male latex condoms under brands such as ONE, Trustex, Carex, and Pasante, with an annual production capacity exceeding 5 billion condoms. Karex products are exported to more than 130 countries.

Goh added that, besides the rise in production and packaging costs, the company is also facing delivery delays.

“We see many condoms stuck on ships and not yet arriving at their destinations, even though they are urgently needed,” he said.

To date, the surge in energy prices due to the Iran war has primarily highlighted oil and gas.

Economists are concerned that these price increases could pressure consumer spending and trigger energy supply shortages leading to production slowdowns, particularly in Asia, which heavily relies on Middle Eastern oil.

However, the conflict’s impact also extends to the production of oil-derived raw materials or feedstocks used in making plastics and other materials.

Among them are naphtha for packaging materials, as well as silicone oil and ammonia, which are key components in condom production.

“Many are discussing crude oil and its impact on diesel and petrol, but feedstocks and petrochemicals are also in short supply,” he said, quoted from CNN.