World's largest condom maker hikes prices as Iran conflict disrupts supply chain

Malaysia’s Karex Bhd, the world’s largest condom producer, says it plans to raise prices by 20% to 30% and potentially more if supply chain disruptions linked to the Iran conflict persist.

Chief executive Goh Miah Kiat told Reuters that rising costs for petrochemical inputs such as synthetic rubber, nitrile and packaging materials have left the company with no option but to pass on increases to customers. “We have no choice but to transfer the costs right now,” he said.

Karex is also reporting a surge in demand of about 30% this year, as shipping delays and higher freight costs reduce customer inventories. Delivery times to Europe and the United States have doubled to nearly two months from about one month previously.

The company produces more than 5 billion condoms annually and supplies brands including Durex and Trojan, alongside public health buyers such as the UK’s NHS and UN-backed programmes.

While Karex says it has sufficient stock for the coming months and is working to increase output, it warned that continued disruption to energy and petrochemical flows from the Middle East is tightening global supply chains.

Separately, risk management firm MARISKS warned of scam messages targeting vessels stranded near the Strait of Hormuz, where actors posing as Iranian authorities are allegedly demanding cryptocurrency payments for “clearance.” The firm said the messages were fraudulent.

The disruption follows ongoing instability around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route, with hundreds of vessels and thousands of seafarers reportedly stranded amid restrictions and heightened tensions. Reports also indicate sporadic incidents involving ships attempting transit during limited openings.

According to BBC reporting, Karex relies heavily on oil-derived materials, including ammonia used in latex preservation and silicone-based lubricants.

The broader geopolitical outlook remains uncertain after US President Donald Trump said a ceasefire with Iran would be extended pending progress in negotiations.