Safe sex products could soon become more expensive worldwide as supply chain disruptions linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to impact production and shipping.
The CEO of Karex, Goh Miah Kiat, has warned that condom prices could rise by 20% to 30%, depending on how long the disruptions persist.
“We have no choice but to transfer the costs right now to the customers,” he said.
Why Prices Are Rising
The crisis is affecting more than just fuel. Key issues include:
Restricted access to raw materials used in condom production
Shortages of petrochemicals like naphtha, silicon oil, and ammonia
Increased manufacturing and packaging costs
Significant shipping delays, with products stuck in transit
Karex, the world’s largest condom producer, manufactures over 5 billion units annually and exports to more than 130 countries, meaning the impact could be felt globally.
Experts say the disruption is tied to broader instability affecting oil and petrochemical supply chains. According to industry analysts like Angie Gildea, feedstocks used in plastics and medical products are becoming scarce.
Asia, which depends heavily on Middle Eastern resources, is particularly vulnerable.
Wider Economic Impact
Beyond manufacturing:
Fuel shortages in parts of Southeast Asia are affecting transport and factory operations
Workers are struggling to commute, slowing production
Rising energy costs could reduce consumer spending globally
Karex says it currently has enough stock to last a few months, but if disruptions continue, consumers could soon face higher prices and possible shortages of essential sexual health products.
While oil prices have dominated headlines, this situation highlights how interconnected global supply chains are—where disruptions in one region can ripple into everyday products worldwide.
