Durex will rise in price by 30%. Largest condom maker raises prices due to war with Iran

Karex, which produces more than 5 billion condoms a year and supplies brands such as Durex and Trojan, as well as public health systems such as the UK’s NHS and UN programmes, said prices could rise by up to 30%.

Like other producers dependent on petrochemical feedstocks, the company is facing higher costs for key inputs (synthetic rubber, nitrile and packaging components) due to disruptions in oil supply chains due to the Gulf War.

The company’s chief executive, Goh Miah Kiat, warned that further hikes could be inevitable if the conflict with Iran continues to severely disrupt international supply chains.

The situation is aggravated by the increase in transportation times: delivery to key markets – Europe and the USA – now takes almost two months compared to the previous standard month.

“The situation is extremely unstable and prices are high,” Guo said. “We have no choice but to pass on the costs to buyers.”