The ongoing war between Iran and the United States has led the world’s largest condom manufacturer, Karex, to announce a 20-30% increase in prices.

It was expected that food and drink prices would rise due to the war between Iran and the United States, but no one thought that condom prices would increase because of this conflict. However, the reality is that people may now see its impact.

In fact, the world’s largest condom manufacturer, Karex, has announced a massive price hike of 20% to 30% for condoms. This Malaysia-based company is the biggest player in the global condom market, and its decision will affect millions worldwide.

Rising shipping costs cause trouble

According to the company’s CEO, Goh Miah Kiat, the ongoing war in West Asia (the Middle East) has made sea routes unsafe. Ships have to take alternate routes, significantly increasing shipping freight costs and causing weeks of delivery delays.

The current situation is so critical that stockpiles of major buyers in several countries have been completely exhausted, leading to a sudden surge in demand. The company says that costs have risen so much that they have no choice but to increase prices and pass the burden onto customers.

Impact from manufacturing to packaging

The Iran war has affected not only oil but also petrochemical products. The prices of essential raw materials used in condom production are skyrocketing. Since February, costs for items like synthetic rubber, nitrile, and silicone oil have increased rapidly. The price of silicone oil has risen by about 30%.

The cost of nitrile latex has nearly doubled. Natural rubber has seen a one-third (33%) increase in price since January. Additionally, aluminum foil used in condom packaging has become more expensive, raising overall production costs.

Multiple brands will be affected

It is known that this Malaysian company, Karex, produces over 5 billion condoms annually. The company not only sells its own brands but also supplies massive quantities to the world’s most famous brands like Durex and Trojan.

This directly means that in the coming days, no matter which brand of condom you buy, you may have to pay 20 to 30 percent more for it. The company has warned that if the supply chain crisis continues due to the war, prices could be increased even further in the future.

Karex

Karex, also known as the Karez system, is an ancient underground irrigation network originating in the Xinjiang region of China, dating back over 2,000 years. It was developed to transport groundwater from the foothills of the Tianshan Mountains to arid farmlands, minimizing water loss from evaporation. This ingenious engineering marvel, similar to the qanat systems in Persia, played a crucial role in sustaining agriculture and settlements along the ancient Silk Road.

Malaysia

Malaysia is a Southeast Asian nation known for its diverse culture, tropical landscapes, and modern cities. Its history includes early Malay kingdoms, colonization by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, and eventual independence in 1957. Today, it is a multi-ethnic federation with a blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, reflected in its food, language, and architecture.

West Asia

West Asia is a historically rich region often considered the cradle of civilization, where ancient empires like Mesopotamia and Persia developed early writing, law, and urban centers. It is a cultural crossroads, home to major religions including Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, and features iconic sites such as the ruins of Babylon, Persepolis, and the Dome of the Rock. Today, the region blends its deep heritage with modern cities, though it also faces complex political and social challenges.

Middle East

The Middle East is a historically and culturally rich region spanning parts of Western Asia and North Africa, often considered the cradle of civilization. It was home to ancient empires like Mesopotamia, Persia, and Egypt, and later became the birthplace of major religions including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Today, the region is known for its diverse cultures, significant oil reserves, and ongoing geopolitical complexities.

Iran

Iran, historically known as Persia, is a country in West Asia with a rich cultural heritage spanning over 5,000 years. It was once the center of the vast Achaemenid Empire, and later became a major hub of Islamic civilization, art, and science. Today, Iran is known for its stunning architecture, such as Persepolis and the mosques of Isfahan, as well as its profound influence on poetry, philosophy, and Persian culture.

United States

The United States is a vast country in North America, founded in 1776 through the Declaration of Independence from British rule. Its history includes westward expansion, the Civil War over slavery and states’ rights, and emergence as a global superpower in the 20th century. Today, it is known for its diverse culture, iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, and influential contributions to technology, entertainment, and democracy.

Durex

Durex is a British brand of condoms and sexual health products, first introduced in 1929 by the London Rubber Company. The name is a portmanteau of “Durability, Reliability, and Excellence,” and the brand played a significant role in popularizing condoms for both contraception and disease prevention. Today, Durex is a globally recognized leader in sexual wellness, known for its innovation and widespread availability.

Trojan

The Trojan archaeological site, located in modern-day Turkey, is best known as the setting of Homer’s epic poem, the *Iliad*, which recounts the legendary Trojan War. Its history spans over 4,000 years, with multiple layers of settlements revealing a wealthy city that was destroyed and rebuilt numerous times. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering insights into ancient civilizations and the enduring myth of the Trojan Horse.