AYV News, April 23, 2026
Concerns are growing globally following reports that condom prices could increase by between 20% and 30% due to disruptions linked to the ongoing Iran conflict, according to the world’s largest condom manufacturer, Karex Bhd.
The company, which supplies a significant portion of the global condom market, has attributed the expected price hike to rising production costs and severe supply chain disruptions affecting key raw materials such as synthetic rubber, nitrile, lubricants, and packaging materials.
Industry sources say the situation has been worsened by increased transportation costs and shipping delays, particularly along critical international trade routes affected by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The development has sparked public concern over potential impacts on sexual and reproductive health, especially in developing countries where access to affordable contraceptives is already a challenge.
Health experts are urging the public not to panic, stressing that condoms remain one of the most effective and widely available methods for preventing HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unintended pregnancies.
They also emphasize that individuals should continue to prioritize safe sex practices, including consistent condom use, while exploring other prevention options such as regular health screening, mutual monogamy, and where appropriate, medical prevention methods like PrEP for HIV.
Meanwhile, stakeholders in public health are calling for stronger global supply support mechanisms to ensure that essential reproductive health commodities remain affordable and accessible.
