Safe sex is about to get more expensive, world’s largest condom maker warns
The Iran war could hit consumers where they least expect it: condom prices.Karex, the world’s largest condom manufacturer, told Reuters it may soon hike prices by as much as 30%...
By Fox News · Fox News
The Iran war could hit consumers where they least expect it: condom prices. Karex, the world’s largest condom manufacturer, told Reuters it may soon hike prices by as much as 30% as the Middle East conflict strains global energy and supply chains. The warning underscores how the war is driving up costs, delaying shipments and squeezing supply. And the impact on condom prices highlights how even niche consumer goods are caught up in broader global disruptions. WHY THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ MATTERS AS TRUMP ISSUES FRESH ULTIMATUM TO IRAN It all traces back to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy supplies, where shipping has slowed sharply. The shipping lane is surrounded by Iran, Oman and the United Arab Emirates and is widely disputed amid the conflict as ships — especially those carrying oil and other fuel — are prevented from traversing through the contentious waterway. The bottleneck is also driving up the cost of petroleum-based products like plastics and rubber, which are found in everything from medical supplies to household items to clothing and beauty products. That’s creating a one-two punch — higher costs and shipping delays that are shrinking supply and raising prices. Amid those pressures, Karex CEO Goh Miah Kiat said the energy crunch has him weighing a price increase. THE MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT MIGHT DISRUPT YOUR SUMMER BBQ PLANS THIS YEAR Kiat says the conflict has pushed aluminum used in foil packaging to a four-year high and silicone oil, a key ingredient in condom manufacturing , is up about 30%. Shortages of synthetic rubber used in some non-latex condoms are further adding to the strain. Karex, a Malaysia-based firm that produces more than 5 billion condoms every year and exports to more than 130 countries, is struggling to keep up as demand outpaces supply. Karex supplies to the world's largest condom brands, including Trojan and Durex. Shipping delays are worsening the crunch on getting these products to customers, with more inven…