24/04/2026
Safe s*x could soon come at a higher cost. The world’s largest condom manufacturer, Karex Bhd, has issued a warning that prices are set to rise sharply in the coming months, citing ongoing geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions linked to the Iran war.
Birth Control
The Malaysia-based company, responsible for producing more than 5 billion condoms annually, says it will increase prices by between 20% and 30%, with the possibility of further hikes if current conditions persist. Given that Karex manufactures roughly one in every five condoms used globally, the impact is expected to be widespread.
Supply Chain Chaos at the Center of the Crisis
At the heart of the issue lies the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global trade. Ongoing conflict in the region has disrupted the flow of oil, petrochemicals, and shipping routes, sending shockwaves through industries that rely heavily on these resources.
For Karex, the consequences have been immediate and severe. The company has reported steep increases in the cost of essential materials, including synthetic rubber, nitrile, aluminum foil packaging, silicone lubricants, and energy. In some cases, prices have surged by as much as 25% to 30%, while others, such as nitrile, have reportedly doubled.
Shipping delays have compounded the problem, leaving distributors with shrinking inventories just as global demand for condoms rises. The company estimates that demand has increased by around 30% amid growing uncertainty worldwide.
Condom Prices Surge Globally as
“No Choice but to Raise Prices”
Speaking on April 21, 2026, Karex CEO Goh Miah Kiat did not downplay the severity of the situation. He described current market conditions as “very fragile,” emphasizing that the company has little option but to pass rising costs on to consumers.
According to him, the price adjustments are not optional but necessary to sustain operations under mounting pressure from raw material costs and logistical challenges.
