Health professionals in Nigeria are sounding the alarm over the possible rise in condom prices and the looming threat of shortages, as the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran continues to disrupt global oil supply chains.
Experts in the pharmaceutical sector revealed that the escalating tensions between the US and Iran have already begun to affect the availability of raw materials used in the production of condoms. These disruptions have resulted in increased manufacturing costs, which are expected to impact condom prices locally.
With many condoms in Nigeria being imported, health experts fear that the rising cost of oil, combined with shipping delays, could exacerbate the situation. Key materials like synthetic rubber and silicone lubricants, derived from petrochemicals, have become more expensive due to these factors.
Global condom manufacturer Karex, known for producing major brands like Durex and Trojan, recently announced plans to increase its prices by up to 30%. Karex has reported a significant rise in production costs since the conflict began and highlighted a 30% increase in global demand for condoms in 2026.
In an interview with Bloomberg, Karex’s CEO Goh Miah Kiat stated that the company had already experienced severe delays and disruptions in shipments, further compounding the issue.
Nigeria, with a population of over 200 million, already faces challenges in providing adequate access to condoms to combat sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). According to a 2021 report, the country currently consumes about 587 million condoms annually, but to achieve a 90% coverage rate and significantly reduce STDs, Nigeria needs 1.15 billion condoms each year. This leaves a 564 million condom gap.
Ambrose Ezeh, National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, expressed concern that the disruption in supply could trigger a surge in prices as demand shifts from premium brands like Durex to more affordable options, which could also see price hikes due to increased demand.
The potential fallout from these disruptions is far-reaching. Experts warn that unaffordable condom prices could worsen the already dire situation in the country regarding HIV transmission, STIs, and unintended pregnancies.
Olumide Akintayo, a former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), emphasized that condoms play a crucial role in public health by addressing both population control and the prevention of STIs. If prices soar, many Nigerians may forgo using condoms altogether, leading to an increase in unsafe sex practices.
Dr. Olumide Obube, the immediate past Vice Chairman of PSN, echoed these sentiments, stating that if condoms become scarce or prohibitively expensive, the consequences could be disastrous for Nigeria’s healthcare system, already struggling with a high burden of HIV and STIs.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has long recognized condoms as a vital tool in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies. The WHO notes that condoms, when used correctly, are 98% effective in preventing unintended pregnancies and play a significant role in reducing the transmission of STIs globally.
