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The world's largest condom maker, Karex Bhd, plans to hike prices by 20% to 30% due to supply chain disruptions caused by the US-Iran war
According to the New Straits Times, chief executive officer Goh Miah Kiat warned that costs could rise further if the conflict continues to squeeze energy and petrochemical flows from the Middle East.
Condom demand has jumped 30% this year, but shipping delays have left many customers with dangerously low stockpiles
"The situation is definitely very fragile, prices are expensive… We have no choice but to transfer the costs right now to the customers," Goh said.
Based in Malaysia, Karex produces over five billion condoms annually, supplying the National Health Service (NHS) and global brands like Durex and Trojan.
Since the conflict began, the company has faced price hikes for synthetic rubber, nitrile, and lubricants like silicone oil
Shipping times to Europe and the US have doubled, now taking nearly two months compared to the previous one month.
Goh added that many developing countries currently lack enough stock because products are spending weeks sitting on vessels.
