New Delhi: The ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia have begun to impact an unlikely but critical sector in India — the condom manufacturing industry. As global supply chains continue to reel under the effects of the Iran war, India is now facing a growing shortage of condoms, accompanied by a sharp rise in production costs and retail prices.
India’s condom industry, valued at around Rs 8,170 crore, is witnessing significant disruption due to a shortage of essential raw materials and logistical challenges. Industry experts warn that the situation could lead to a price increase of up to 50 per cent in the coming weeks, potentially affecting accessibility and public health outcomes.
Supply chain disruptions hit production
The shortage is not driven by increased demand but by disruptions in global maritime trade routes and limited access to key petrochemical inputs. Condom production relies heavily on materials such as silicone oil and ammonia, both of which are currently facing supply constraints.
Silicone oil, used as a lubricant in condom manufacturing, has become scarce due to disruptions in petrochemical supply chains. Ammonia, which is critical for stabilising raw latex, is also expected to see price hikes of 40 to 50 per cent. These increases have significantly pushed up production costs.
In addition to raw materials, packaging components such as PVC foil and aluminium foil have also become more expensive and harder to source. According to industry sources, these constraints have affected both production capacity and order fulfilment timelines.
Major manufacturers under pressure
India produces over 400 crore condoms annually, with major players such as HLL Lifecare Ltd, Mankind Pharma Ltd, and Cupid Ltd forming the backbone of the industry. Among them, state-run HLL Lifecare alone accounts for approximately 221 crore units per year.
However, even these large manufacturers are struggling to maintain output levels amid rising input costs and uncertain supply chains. Logistics disruptions, including delays in shipping and increased freight costs, have further compounded the crisis.
An inter-ministerial briefing held on March 11 highlighted the severity of the issue, indicating that domestic petrochemical units may face up to a 35 per cent reduction in resource allocation. This shift is aimed at prioritising fuel and energy requirements, but it has inadvertently tightened the availability of industrial inputs needed for condom production.
High-volume, low-margin model under strain
India’s condom market operates on a high-volume, low-margin model to ensure affordability for its vast population of over 140 crore people. This pricing structure has historically enabled widespread access, particularly through government programmes focused on family planning and sexual health.
However, the current crisis is putting this model under severe stress. With manufacturing costs becoming increasingly unpredictable, companies are finding it difficult to absorb the rising expenses without passing them on to consumers.
Retailers in major metropolitan areas such as Mumbai and Delhi have already begun reporting patchy supplies, signalling early signs of a broader availability issue.
Public health concerns emerge
Experts caution that the shortage could have far-reaching public health implications. Condoms are a key tool in preventing unintended pregnancies and controlling the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Any decline in usage, driven by higher prices or reduced availability, could reverse years of progress in family planning and sexual health awareness. Public health officials are closely monitoring the situation, particularly in urban areas where early signs of disruption have emerged.
If the supply chain challenges persist, the impact may extend beyond the private market to government distribution systems, which play a crucial role in ensuring access for economically vulnerable populations.
Outlook remains uncertain
The future of the industry largely depends on how quickly global supply chains stabilise and whether alternative sourcing strategies can be implemented. In the short term, however, manufacturers and policymakers face an uphill task in balancing affordability with rising production costs.
As the effects of the Iran war continue to ripple across sectors, India’s condom shortage underscores how deeply interconnected global conflicts and everyday essentials have become. Ensuring uninterrupted access to such critical public health commodities will require coordinated efforts from both industry stakeholders and the government.