Iran War Disrupts India’s Condom Industry

(SeaPRwire) –   Supply chain disruptions have reportedly resulted in shortages of silicone oil and ammonia—key materials needed to manufacture contraceptives

India’s large condom industry is facing significant disruptions due to material shortages and rising production costs connected to the ongoing Middle East war, local media reports, citing manufacturers.

India produces more than 6 billion condoms each year in a high-volume, low-margin market valued at $860 million. The sector depends heavily on supplies of silicone oil and ammonia, which stabilize raw latex.

Since Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz to most ships in response to U.S. and Israeli airstrikes, supply chains for petrochemical-based materials have been disrupted, leading to a “huge shortage” of silicone oil and an expected 40-50% price hike for ammonia, according to industry officials quoted by the Indian Express.

Pharmacies in major cities like Mumbai and New Delhi are already said to be facing stock shortages.

In 2024, India manufactured 6.4 billion condoms, accounting for nearly 17% of global output, per IndexBox data.

The oil crisis has also prompted increases in aviation fuel prices for airlines, India’s Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas announced on Wednesday. Fuel prices are expected to double to a record $2,224 as of April 1, the ministry said, adding that domestic carriers will face a staggered increase while foreign companies must pay the full market price.