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Condom prices could rise by 30% due to the war in Iran — Reuters

Condom prices could rise by 30% due to the war in Iran — Reuters

Katerina Melnychenko Deputy Editor-in-Chief

22 April 2026, 16:30

Condom prices could rise by 30% due to the war in Iran — Reuters — Condoms

The Malaysian company Karex Bhd, the world’s largest condom manufacturer, plans to raise its prices by 30% if the war in the Middle East continues.

This was announced by the company’s CEO, Ho Mia Kiat, in an interview with Reuters.

It is reported that Karex Bhd produces over 5 billion condoms annually and supplies them to well-known brands, including Durex, One and Trojan. In addition, condoms are supplied to public health systems and as part of global aid programmes supported by the UN.

The CEO noted that demand for condoms has risen by 30% due to long delivery times to European countries and the United States. Currently, he said, goods take two months to reach customers, although previously this happened much faster.

He also explained that since the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East, the cost of the materials used to manufacture condoms has risen significantly. These include synthetic rubber and nitrile.

“The situation is certainly very critical — prices are high... We have no choice but to pass on the costs to customers,” said Ho Mia Kiat.

Despite this, he said that Karex Bhd has sufficient stocks of materials for the next few months, so it is aiming to increase condom production.

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