"Will Condom Prices Rise?" Fallout From the Iran War Raises Alarm at the World's Largest Manufacturer

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\r\n[Financial News] There are concerns that condom prices could rise by as much as 30% if the Iran War continues.
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\r\nKarex, known as the world's largest condom maker, cited higher raw material and shipping costs, along with rising demand, as factors behind a possible price increase.
British media outlet Unilad reported this on the 22nd local time, citing comments from Goh Miah Kiat, CEO of the Malaysian condom manufacturer Karex. Karex produces more than 5 billion condoms a year. It makes products for major brands such as Durex and Trojan, and also supplies condoms to the National Health Service (NHS) in the U.K.
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\r\nAccording to the report, Goh said the company could raise product prices by as much as 30% if the Iran War drags on. He added that production costs have risen since the war began, while securing raw materials and delivering products has become more difficult.
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\r\nCondom production requires not only natural latex, but also ammonia used to preserve latex and silicone-based materials used in lubricants. Packaging and transportation are also affected by petrochemical products and international logistics costs.
Tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz were also cited as a factor adding to costs. The strait is a key route for Middle Eastern crude shipments. According to data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) in June 2025, the average daily oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz in 2024 was 20 million barrels. That accounted for about 20% of global petroleum liquid fuel consumption.
Karex said condom demand has risen by about 30% this year. As demand increased, supply chains became tighter, making it harder to secure raw materials and deliver products. Higher shipping costs and delivery delays were also cited as factors increasing price pressure.
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\r\nHowever, no decision has been made on whether consumer prices will actually rise, or when that might happen. Store prices may vary depending on brand contracts, distributor inventory, and each country's sales structure.
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hsg@fnnews.com Han Seung-gon Reporter