The impact of tensions in the Middle East has been felt in various sectors beyond energy, even in industries we never imagined would be affected, such as the sexual health products industry. Amid logistical disruptions and rising raw material costs, a major condom manufacturer warned that prices could increase in the coming months due to the war in Iran and its effects on the international supply chain. Karex, a Malaysia-based company considered one of the world's largest condom producers, noted that it is facing significant pressure from a shortage of synthetic rubber, an essential material for its manufacture. According to its CEO, Goh Miah Kiat, the costs of some inputs have doubled, while international shipping has also become more expensive and slower. “The situation is definitely very fragile. Prices are high. We have no option but to pass the cost on to our customers,” Goh Miah Kiat, CEO of Karex, told Reuters. The company warned that if current conditions continue, it could implement price increases of between 20% and 30%. The conflict in Iran has put significant pressure on strategic shipping routes, especially the Strait of Hormuz, leading to delays and disruptions in global freight transport. This situation not only affects oil, but also products derived from the petrochemical industry, such as plastics and synthetic rubber, key inputs for many consumer goods. In the case of Karex, shipments to markets like Europe and the United States, which normally take about a month, are now taking almost two months due to logistical disruptions. This is compounded by an increase in demand for condoms, which the company itself estimates at around 30% so far this year, putting further pressure on inventories. Founded in 1988 in Johor, Malaysia,The company produces around 5 billion condoms a year and exports to more than 130 countries. It is also a supplier for international brands such as Trojan and Durex, making it a key player in the global market for these products.