West Asia war to affect Indian bedrooms? Condom industry runs short of raw materials

The effects of the West Asia conflict may now be felt in Indian bedrooms with the condom industry running short of raw materials.

As per a report by The Indian Express, disruptions in the petrochemical supply chain are hugely impacting the production of rubber contraceptives in the country.

The Indian condom manufacturing sector worth Rs 8,000 crore produces over 400 crore units annually.

Among the two essential items required for making the product are the silicon oil and ammonia.

While silicon oil is an essential lubricant, ammonia is used to stabilise the raw latex which is prone to coagulation. 

As per the report, some major players of the industry including Hill Lifecare Ltd, Mankind Pharma Ltd and Cupid Ltd are facing the shortage.

“A price increase of 40-50 percent is expected for ammonia, which is essential for condom production,” an official from a condom manufacturing firm told The Indian Express.

Experts assume this surge in the price of the condoms can increase instances of unprotected sex and poor family planning among people.

As per the Karnataka Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Manufacturers, the shortage is a part of a bigger problem with any material based on petrochemicals bound to be affected by the disrupted logistics.

As per a report, the quick-commerce company Blinkit had delivered 1,22,000 condom packs in 2025.

Another report cited in the Economic Times said one in 140 orders on Swiggy Instamart was a sexual wellness product in 2024.

Apart from condoms, medical devices like syringes, injectables, surgical gloves, prosthetics and some building elements of diagnostic tools are dependent on petrochemicals.