Not just oil and gas, the war crisis in West Asia is now impacting India’s “bedroom economy”—particularly condom production. The ripple effects of the conflict are being felt in India’s health sector, as disruptions in global supply chains begin to affect essential commodities.
With the Strait of Hormuz—a critical shipping route—facing continued disruption, key raw materials such as silicone oil and ammonia, essential for condom manufacturing, are now in short supply. Manufacturers across India report shortages, raising concerns about accessibility and affordability for millions.
A Large Industry Under Pressure
India produces over 400 crore condoms annually and has a market valued at more than ₹8,000 crore. However, the industry is now grappling with rising input costs and supply shortages due to geopolitical instability in West Asia.
India’s supply chain is heavily dependent on the region. Nearly 86% of India’s anhydrous ammonia imports come from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman. This makes the sector highly vulnerable to disruptions. Prices of ammonia—essential for stabilising latex—are expected to rise by 40–50%, directly impacting production.
For many, the impact is already visible. Ankit Sharma, 45, a migrant worker from Bihar, recently tried to buy condoms at a pharmacy in Okhla, New Delhi—but left empty-handed. The store owner cited the ongoing conflict in Iran as the reason for dwindling supplies.
“This is something I never experienced—how a conflict thousands of kilometres away could affect such basic necessities here,” Ankit said
Manufacturers Raise Concerns
Leading manufacturers such as Hindustan Latex Lifecare, Cupid Limited, and Mankind Pharma have flagged delays in raw material shipments due to disrupted trade routes near the Strait of Hormuz.
India accounts for approximately 7.4% of the global condom market and experts warn that price hikes expected in 2026 could reduce demand. Condoms remain a crucial component of India’s family planning programme under the National Health Mission.
What Goes Into a Condom?
Most condoms in India are made from natural latex derived from rubber trees. However, manufacturing also requires:
- Ammonia: To stabilise latex during processing
- Silicone oil: To provide lubrication
- Petrochemical-based materials: Used in packaging such as aluminium foil or PVC
Disruptions in petrochemical supply chains are, therefore, directly affecting production. In response, the Government of India has announced full customs duty exemption on critical petrochemical products until June 30, 2026. The move aims to ease the burden on manufacturers facing rising costs and supply constraints.
Jatish N. Sheth, Director of Srushti Pharmaceuticals, acknowledged the shortage: “Raw materials like ammonia and silicone are derived from petroleum products, much of which comes from West Asia. There is currently a severe shortage. With the Strait of Hormuz disrupted, we are now exploring alternative sourcing from other countries.”
Public Health Concerns Rise
The Former President of Indian Medical association, Rajeev Jayadevan, says that the ongoing conflict in West Asia now hits contraceptive manufacturing, and making price hikes and supply shortages imminent. He further adds, “Sadly, this disproportionately impacts the most needy; even modest price increases can cause contraceptive use to fall, particularly among socio economically disadvantaged groups. Unplanned pregnancies, increased mother and infant mortality, and a resurgence of STIs sexually transmitted illnesses are examples of downstream impacts.”
He said that the shortage is not a result of a sudden spike in demand, but a direct consequence of disrupted maritime trade routes and the choking of petrochemical supplies and lubricants essential for production and increased production costs for the sector.
As per a research titled Investing in the sexual and reproductive health of women in India:
- Around 134 million women use modern contraceptives
- 77% rely on female sterilisation
- 11% use male condoms
- 8% use oral pills
- 3% use long-acting reversible methods
- Only 1% rely on male sterilisation (vasectomy)
This highlights the importance of condom availability in India’s health ecosystem.
Risk of STIs Without Condoms
Health experts warn that reduced condom use could significantly increase the spread of sexually transmitted infections. According to the World Health Organization:
- Over 1 million STIs occur globally every day
- Many infections remain asymptomatic
- 75–85% of new STI cases occur in low- and middle-income countries
Common STIs include:
- Syphilis
- Gonorrhoea
- Chlamydia
- HIV
- Hepatitis B
- Human papillomavirus (HPV
The Larger Picture
The current crisis is not driven by increased demand, but by disrupted global trade routes and shortages of essential petrochemical inputs. As supply chains tighten, the consequences extend beyond industry—directly affecting public health, family planning, and disease prevention.
What begins as a geopolitical conflict is now shaping everyday health choices—highlighting how deeply interconnected global systems truly are.
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