The intensifying conflict between Iran and the US-Israel alliance is sending shockwaves far beyond the battlefield, reaching the personal lives of millions in India. As crude oil prices soar and maritime trade routes remain choked, industry experts warn of a potential 10% to 50% spike in the prices of condoms and other contraceptive products in the Indian market.

The primary driver behind this anticipated price hike is the disruption in the supply of raw materials and surging logistics costs. Condom manufacturing relies heavily on natural rubber latex, silicone oil (a petroleum derivative used as a lubricant), and specialized aluminum foils for packaging. With the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea becoming high-risk zones, freight charges have quintupled, and the cost of imported chemicals has reached record highs.

Manufacturing hubs in India, particularly in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Maharashtra), are already feeling the pinch. Producers report that the scarcity of high-quality silicone oil and the rising cost of packaging plastics are making current price points unsustainable. If these costs are passed on to consumers, a standard pack of condoms could see a significant jump in price, making it an expensive affair for the average Indian household.

Public health experts are raising alarms over the potential societal impact. A sharp increase in condom prices could lead to a decline in their usage, especially among low-income groups, potentially leading to a rise in unintended pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). While some essential medicines are already seeing a 15-20% price hike due to the Iran war, the impact on the sexual health sector could have long-term consequences. Unless the geopolitical situation stabilizes soon, Indians might have to pay a much higher premium for “safety.”