In statements to the EFE news agency, released on 23 April, Karex's CEO, Goh Miah Kiat, pointed out that the company has "been adjusting prices with most customers," with increases of up to 30% in condoms, intimate lubricants, probe covers, and catheters.

The executive considered that the transfer of costs to the customer is "inevitable due to the continued instability in the supply of raw materials, logistical disruptions, and increased production costs."

Increase in raw material prices

The impact is mainly due to a recent 100% increase in the price of petroleum-derived nitrile latex, driven by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, through which a large part of world trade passes.

In addition, there are the costs of silicone oil and aluminium foil packaging, whose prices have increased by 20% to 30%, while some of the materials used in intimate lubricants now cost 120% more than before the war.

Longer delivery times

“We continue to face longer delivery times from suppliers, greater price volatility and higher transport costs,” he continued, adding that the company has increased preventive stockpiling of raw materials to ensure continuity of production.

Stressing that the continuation of the war could lead to further price adjustments, Goh Miah Kiat pointed out that the decision to reflect current or future increases to customers will depend on Karex's customers and retailers.

Currently, Karex manufactures about five billion condoms every year, equivalent to 20% of the world's total, supplying brands such as Durex or Trojan.