The head of Karex, the world’s largest condom producer, has cautioned that prices may increase by as much as 30% or even higher if ongoing disruptions linked to the Iran conflict persist.
Chief executive Goh Miah Kiat explained that the war has pushed up production costs significantly, mainly due to rising prices of raw materials and increased shipping challenges. Karex, based in Malaysia, manufactures over five billion condoms annually and supplies global brands such as Durex and Trojan, along with public health systems including the UK’s NHS.
The company relies heavily on oil-based materials like ammonia, used in preserving latex, and silicone-based lubricants. However, instability in the Strait of Hormuz—an essential route for global oil and gas shipments—has caused major supply chain disruptions, further tightening availability and increasing costs.
The ripple effects of the conflict are also being felt across other industries, with rising prices reported in air travel, fertilisers, helium, and food products. While diplomatic efforts continue, uncertainty remains over peace negotiations between the US and Iran, leaving global markets under pressure.
