World’s Biggest Condom Maker to Raise Prices by 20–30% as Iran War Disrupts Supply Chains

The world’s largest condom manufacturer, Karex Berhad, has warned that it may increase prices of its products by between 20% and 30% due to ongoing global supply chain disruptions linked to the Iran conflict. The company says costs have risen sharply in recent weeks.

Karex produces more than five billion condoms every year and supplies major global brands such as Durex and Trojan, as well as public health programmes including the UK’s NHS and United Nations initiatives. The company is now feeling the pressure from rising raw material and shipping costs.

The Iran war has disrupted key global trade routes, especially around the Strait of Hormuz, a major passage for oil and petrochemical transport. This has led to higher fuel prices and shortages of materials used in manufacturing, including latex-related chemicals and lubricants.

Chief Executive Officer Goh Miah Kiat said the company has no choice but to adjust prices if conditions remain unstable. “The situation is definitely very fragile, prices are expensive… We have no choice but to transfer the costs right now to the customers,” he said.

He explained that materials such as synthetic rubber, nitrile, silicone oil, and packaging components have all become more costly due to supply chain pressure. These inputs are essential in producing condoms at scale.

At the same time, Karex says global demand has increased, with many markets experiencing low stock levels due to shipping delays and higher freight costs. The company has also noted that delivery times have nearly doubled in some regions.

Goh added that some shipments are now taking up to two months to reach customers, compared to about one month previously. This has created supply gaps, especially in developing countries that rely heavily on imports.

Despite the challenges, the company says it still has enough stock in the short term and is working to increase production capacity. However, it warns that continued instability in global trade routes could further push up prices and disrupt availability.