The Latest Iran War Price Shockwave? Condoms.

BreakingBusinessThe Latest Iran War Price Shockwave? Condoms.ByAsia Alexander,Fellow. Asia Alexander is a editorial fellow at Forbes on the Wealth team. Follow AuthorApr 21, 2026, 03:28pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.ToplineIt’s not just gas prices climbing amid the Iran war—surging condom demand and mounting supply chain strain have pushed Karex, the world’s biggest condom manufacturer, to potentially hike prices by 20% to 30%, with more increases likely as disruptions drag on, the firm told Reuters. In this picture taken September 20, 2017, packs of "nasi lemak" flavoured condoms are seen amidst others at the Malaysian condom-maker Karex Industries headquarters in Port Klang. After enjoying success with an inventive range of condoms, a Malaysian industry giant will add an unusual flavour to its arsenal of contraceptives — the country's beloved national rice dish, nasi lemak. Karex Industries, which claims to be the world's biggest condom maker, already offers an array of flavours in various pleasure-boosting textures, from grape to the pungent tropical fruit durian. (Photo by MANAN VATSYAYANA / AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty ImagesKey FactsKarex CEO Goh Miah Kiat said the price of key raw materials, including aluminum, foil and silicone oil, has increased 25% to 30% since the start of the war nearly two months ago.The Malaysia-based firm produces more than five billion condoms annually and is seeing demand outpace supply as shipping delays leave customers without product. Karex says more inventory is stuck on vessels than reaching its destination, with some shipments taking up to two months to arrive to the U.S. and Europe, while developing countries already facing shortages are also seeing a delay in shipments. The company is a major supplier for brands like Durex and Trojan, as well as public health systems such as the U.K.’s National Health Servi...