Experts in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector have warned that condom prices could rise sharply in the coming months as tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt global oil supply chains and increase manufacturing costs.
Industry stakeholders said the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran has already affected the supply of petrochemical materials used in the production of condoms, raising fears of possible shortages and higher prices in countries that depend heavily on imports, including Nigeria.
Condom production relies on oil-derived materials such as synthetic rubber, silicone lubricants, and ammonia used in preserving latex. Rising crude oil prices and disruptions in international shipping routes have reportedly pushed up production and transportation costs globally.
The concerns intensified after Malaysia-based condom manufacturer Karex, regarded as the world’s largest producer of condoms, announced plans to increase prices by as much as 30 percent if supply disruptions persist. The company supplies major international brands, including Durex and Trojan, and produces more than five billion condoms annually.
Karex Chief Executive Officer, Goh Miah Kiat, said the company has experienced rising production expenses since the conflict escalated. He also noted that global demand for condoms has increased significantly this year, while freight costs and shipping delays continue to affect supply.
Pharmaceutical experts in Nigeria warned that any prolonged disruption could reduce the availability of condoms and place additional pressure on affordable brands commonly used by average Nigerians.
National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, Ambrose Ezeh, explained that shortages of premium brands could force consumers to switch to cheaper alternatives, leading to increased demand and possible price hikes across the market.
He said reduced supply combined with growing demand would likely make condoms more expensive and less accessible, especially for low-income consumers.
Health professionals also expressed concern over the possible public health implications of reduced access to condoms. Former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Olumide Akintayo, warned that higher prices could contribute to increased cases of sexually transmitted infections, HIV transmission, and unintended pregnancies.
According to him, condoms remain one of the most effective and affordable tools for preventing sexually transmitted infections and controlling unplanned pregnancies. He cautioned that if condoms become unaffordable, more people may engage in unprotected sex, increasing pressure on the country’s healthcare system.
Similarly, former Vice Chairman of the Ogun State chapter of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Olumide Obube, stressed the need for Nigeria to strengthen local condom production instead of depending heavily on imported products and donor-supported supplies.
Nigeria currently faces a major gap in condom access. A 2021 report by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation in collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS revealed that the country consumes about 587 million condoms annually, far below the estimated 1.15 billion needed each year to achieve adequate national coverage.
The World Health Organization has consistently maintained that condoms are highly effective in preventing sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, as well as unplanned pregnancies when used correctly and consistently.
Health experts warned that continued disruptions in global supply chains could further worsen access to essential reproductive health products in Nigeria unless urgent measures are taken to improve local manufacturing and supply stability.