The waves of ongoing conflict in West Asia (Middle East) have now reached India’s condom industry. According to the Indian Express report, due to the ongoing war between Iran, Israel and America, the supply chain of petrochemicals has been disrupted, which is affecting the country’s condom manufacturing industry worth about $ 860 million (about Rs 8,000 crore). This industry makes more than 400 crore condoms every year.
Two main things are required to make a condom. The first is silicone oil, which is used as a lubricant. There is a huge shortage of it. The second is ammonia, which helps stabilize latex. Its prices are expected to increase by 40-50 percent. Apart from this, the price of things like PVC and aluminum foil used for packaging has also increased.
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An official of a company said, ‘Due to shortage of supply of key materials and fluctuating prices, it has become difficult to carry out production and fulfill orders.’ He said that there are problems in logistics (transportation) also.
Impact on big companies
Big players are being affected by this crisis. These include the government company HLL Lifecare Limited, which produces about 221 crore condoms every year. Besides, companies like Mankind Pharma and Cupid Limited are also in trouble.
Jatish N Sheth of Karnataka Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Manufacturers Association said, ‘Any material which is made of petrochemicals is being affected. We have been impacted but are yet to assess it in full depth.
The government told an inter-ministerial meeting on March 11 that raw materials for petrochemical units could be cut by up to 35 percent. This will further reduce the supply in sectors like the condom industry.
social anxiety too
Industry experts say that it is not just a matter of profit. The condom market in India runs on high volume and low cost model, so that it remains affordable for the population of 140 crores. If costs increase, prices will increase and demand will decrease.
“This is directly putting pressure on the company’s bottom line profits,” said an employee. Even if the revenue increases slightly by increasing the price, the number of sales will definitely decrease.
Not limited to just business
This concern is not limited to just business. Condom is an important product related to family planning and population control. If there is even a slight decrease in its use, it can have a social impact in the long run. Unplanned pregnancies may increase, maternal and infant mortality rates may be affected, and the risk of sexually transmitted infections may also increase.
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Experts believe that this conflict in West Asia was not limited to oil and gas only. This has now reached products related to everyday life and health. The government and the industry will have to face this crisis together, so that essential items like condoms remain accessible to the common people.
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