Overview
- Karex told Reuters on Tuesday it may raise condom prices by about 20% to 30% if supply problems tied to the Middle East war continue.
- The company says its production costs are up roughly 25% to 30% as petrochemical inputs such as silicone oil, ammonia, packaging films and fuel get more expensive.
- Shipping to Europe and the United States now takes about two months in some cases, which is roughly double the usual time, and many finished condoms remain stuck on ships.
- Demand has climbed about 30% after cuts to donor-funded health programs pushed more buyers into the private market, though Karex says it has stock for several months.
- Africa CDC warned that higher prices could reduce condom use and weaken HIV prevention, a risk made worse in countries that rely on subsidized public-health supply.