Nigeria could soon experience higher condom prices and possible shortages as growing tensions between the United States and Iran continue to affect global oil markets and international shipping routes, health experts have warned.
Industry analysts say the crisis in the Middle East is already increasing the cost of key raw materials used in condom production, including synthetic rubber, ammonia, and silicone lubricants, all of which depend heavily on petrochemical supply chains.
Concerns intensified after leading global condom manufacturer Karex announced that prices may rise by as much as 30 percent if disruptions persist. The company, which supplies major international brands such as Durex and Trojan, cited rising freight charges, higher production costs, and shipping delays linked to the ongoing conflict.
Karex Chief Executive Officer, Goh Miah Kiat, said the company has seen a sharp increase in transportation and material expenses since the geopolitical tensions escalated. Karex produces more than five billion condoms annually for global markets.
Healthcare professionals in Nigeria warn that the impact could quickly spread across the country because the nation still depends largely on imported condoms.
National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, Ambrose Ezeh, said shortages of premium brands may force consumers to switch to cheaper alternatives, leading to increased demand and higher prices in the local market.
Former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Olumide Akintayo, also cautioned that reduced access to condoms could contribute to rising cases of HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and unintended pregnancies.
The warning comes at a time when Nigeria is already facing a major gap in condom availability.
A joint report by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, and NOI Polls revealed that while Nigerians use an estimated 587 million condoms annually, the country requires about 1.15 billion each year to meet national demand effectively.
The report indicates a yearly shortfall of more than 560 million condoms, even before any additional global supply disruptions.
Public health experts are now calling for increased investment in local condom manufacturing, describing it as an important national health and economic priority.
With Nigeria already dealing with HIV challenges, increasing STI cases, economic pressure, and healthcare system strain, experts warn that prolonged supply disruptions could trigger a wider public health concern affecting millions across the country.
