Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency: The escalating unrest in the Middle East is now poised to hit the pockets of ordinary citizens. The conflict between Iran and Israel is disrupting global supply chains—a situation set to have a direct impact on condoms, one of the primary tools for safe sex. Karex, the world's largest condom manufacturer, has warned that unless the situation improves, condom prices could soon rise by 20 to 30 percent. In an interview with Reuters, Karex CEO Goh Miah Kiat stated that critical shipping routes, such as the Strait of Hormuz, are currently effectively blocked due to the ongoing conflict. Consequently, the importation of essential raw materials required for condom production is facing severe disruptions. Goh stated unequivocally, "The situation is extremely precarious, and the cost of raw materials is skyrocketing. We currently have no choice but to pass this burden of increased costs onto our customers."
Based in Malaysia, the company manufactures over 5 billion condoms annually and exports them to more than 130 countries worldwide. Popular brands such as 'ONE,' 'Trustex,' and 'Pasante' are produced by this very company. According to the CEO, the supply chain has broken down due to a combination of rising production and packaging costs, as well as delays in shipping. Their current inventory is sufficient to last for only a few more months at most.
Experts have warned that the conflict is driving up not only oil and gas prices but is also creating shortages in the supply of petrochemical-based raw materials—such as naphtha, silicone oil, and ammonia. These components are absolutely vital for the manufacture of condoms and their packaging. The crisis is further intensifying because most Asian nations remain dependent on the Middle East for these raw materials. Already, in several Southeast Asian nations, the ongoing energy crisis has begun to disrupt factory operations and the transportation of goods. According to economists, if these supply chains remain disrupted for an extended period, the prices of not only condoms but also many other daily necessities could spiral out of control. It now remains to be seen whether this surge in prices will spark fresh global concerns regarding safe sexual health.