The ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran may trigger a sharp increase in condom prices and possible shortages worldwide, experts have warned.
The concern follows an announcement by Malaysia-based condom manufacturer, Karex, that prices of condoms could rise by 30 per cent or more if the prolonged conflict continues to disrupt the supply of key raw materials used in production.
Karex, regarded as the world’s largest condom producer, manufactures over five billion condoms annually and supplies major international brands, including Durex and Trojan. The company depends heavily on oil-based materials such as ammonia, which is used to preserve latex, and silicone lubricants.
Speaking with Bloomberg, Karex Chief Executive Officer, Goh Miah Kiat, disclosed that production costs have surged significantly since the conflict escalated.
He explained that global demand for condoms has increased by about 30 per cent this year, while rising freight charges and shipping delays have further worsened supply shortages.
The conflict between the US, Israel and Iran has now entered its 72nd day, with intensified military exchanges and attacks reported across the Middle East.
The crisis reportedly began on February 28 after the US and Israel launched coordinated attacks on Iran following weeks of military tensions and threats from former US President Donald Trump. The attacks targeted Iranian military facilities and top government officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Although a ceasefire agreement was reached between the US and Iran on April 8, hostilities resumed on May 7 after renewed clashes in the Gulf region, including Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the US blockade of Iranian ports.
Health and pharmaceutical experts have warned that countries heavily dependent on imported contraceptives, including Nigeria, may experience reduced access to condoms and rising costs if the disruptions continue.
The National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, Ambrose Ezeh, said the situation could lead to scarcity and higher prices of condoms across the country.
According to him, premium brands such as Durex may become more expensive and scarce, forcing many Nigerians to switch to cheaper alternatives, which could also experience increased demand and price hikes.
“If shipment and production are disrupted, condom prices will naturally rise because the available stock will become limited,” Ezeh said.
He added that the scarcity of high-end brands would likely push more consumers toward affordable products commonly used by average Nigerians, thereby increasing pressure on those brands as well.
Nigeria, with a population exceeding 200 million, already faces challenges in condom accessibility and coverage aimed at reducing sexually transmitted infections.
A 2021 report by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, in collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS and NOI Polls, revealed that Nigerians consume an estimated 587 million condoms annually.
