BackECONOMY
World's biggest condom maker set to raise prices due to Iran war
Karex, the world's largest condom producer, says it will raise prices by up to 30% (or more if supply disruption continues) because war-related factors are driving up raw-material costs. The move comes amid wider disruptions to energy and shipping linked to Iran-US-Israel tensions, including Strait of Hormuz impacts and higher freight costs.
Why It Matters
The price rise could affect global condom availability and cost for brands and health systems, while illustrating how energy-market shocks ripple into consumer goods and other sectors.
Timeline
4 Events
Peace talks status unclear as Trump extends ceasefire
April 22, 2026
The status of peace talks between the US and Iran remained unclear on Wednesday after President Donald Trump said he will extend a ceasefire between the two countries until negotiations have progressed.
Strait of Hormuz disruption affects oil supplies and global supply chains
April 22, 2026
Global oil supplies have been disrupted since Iran responded to US and Israeli airstrikes with threats to target vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, effectively closing the waterway and causing disruptions to global supply chains.
Karex to raise prices up to 30% as raw-materials disrupted
April 22, 2026
Karex chief executive Goh Miah Kiat told media outlets that production costs have risen sharply since the start of the conflict and that the firm will raise its prices by up to 30% or possibly more if supply disruption continues.
UN warns of rising prices for sugar, dairy and fruit due to transport costs
April 2026
The United Nations warned that sugar, dairy and fruit prices will climb due to the rising cost of transport, an early development cited in the article.