From the New York Times
World’s Biggest Condom Maker Raises Prices as Iran War Rattles Supply Chains
By Zunaira Saieed
Reporting from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
April 23, 2026
Updated 12:15 p.m. ET
The Malaysian company Karex, which produces about five billion condoms a year, said it was raising prices by 30 percent because of higher raw material prices and global shipping disruptions.
The Malaysian condom company, Karex, which produces about five billion condoms a year, blamed a surge in raw material prices, global shipping disruptions and higher freight costs for the price increases.
The de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz has led to a surge in the price of oil and gas, disrupting supply chains and driving up costs for a wide range of materials that companies like Karex depends on, including nitrile and synthetic rubber, packaging materials, silicone oil and aluminum foil.
The company says that it makes about a fifth of the world’s condoms and uses more than a hundred chemicals and raw materials in its production. If the war persists, Mr. Goh said, a shortage of even a single item could ripple through its factories and bring production to a halt.
Karex supplies some of the world’s best-known contraceptive brands, including Durex and Trojan. The company employs around 3,000 people in its factories in Malaysia and Thailand, and sources materials from countries across Asia and Europe.
Better stock up now if you bring your own. Or expect price increases if she's supplying.
Or bring your own lunch sandwich bag after having finished your lunch for that CBJ.
Economy class, NHJ's, looking more attractive?
