Iran war cripples India's condom industry, sparks shortages

India's condom industry, which produces over six billion units annually, is facing major disruptions due to raw material shortages and soaring production costs linked to the ongoing war in the Middle East. According to local media reports, manufacturers heavily rely on supplies of silicone oil and ammonia, which are essential for stabilizing the raw latex used in production.

Since Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz to most ships in response to US and Israeli airstrikes, supply chains for petrochemical-based materials have been disrupted. This has led to a "huge shortage" of silicone oil and a projected 40–50% price surge for ammonia, as cited by industry officials in The Indian Express.

Pharmacies in major cities such as Mumbai and New Delhi are already reportedly facing stock shortages. India produced 6.4 billion condoms in 2024, accounting for nearly 17% of global output, according to IndexBox data. The crisis has also prompted hikes in aviation fuel prices, as announced by India's Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

The situation highlights the vulnerability of global supply chains to geopolitical conflicts, impacting not only public health in India but also the international contraceptive market. Fuel prices for airlines are expected to double to a record $2,224 as of April 1, with staggered increases for domestic carriers and full market prices for foreign firms.