Karex, the world's largest condom manufacturer, will raise prices by up to 30 percent on condoms, lubricants, and catheters due to supply chain disruptions from the Middle East conflict. The Malaysian company, which produces over 5 billion condoms annually, cited increased costs for raw materials including latex, nitrile, and packaging components.

The price surge stems from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 30 percent of global seaborne oil passes. This disruption has caused bottlenecks in global supply chains and shortages of various products. Karex CEO Goh Miah Kiat told the Financial Times that petroleum-based latex prices have jumped 30 percent this year, while nitrile butadiene costs have doubled.

Karex supplies major brands like Durex and Trojan and holds government contracts including with the UK's National Health Service. The company expects the situation to persist for an extended period. With more than two-thirds of revenue from producing condoms for other brands, Karex's pricing decisions will likely impact consumers through higher retail prices as brands and retailers pass along increased costs.