Condom prices to surge 30%

The fallout from the Middle East conflict has reached the global sexual health market, with Karex announcing 'unavoidable' price hikes for its products.

The Malaysian firm supplies major brands like Durex and Trojan, as well as national health systems including the UK's NHS. Beyond raw material costs, the closure of key shipping lanes has led to a shortage of aluminum used in packaging, further straining production.

Health experts worry that the increased cost could lead to lower usage rates and a potential rise in sexually transmitted infections worldwide.