India’s ₹7,000+ crore condom industry faces supply delays as Strait of Hormuz shipping disruptions hit key raw materials like ammonia and silicone oil

New Delhi: In late March and early April 2026, the US–Israel–Iran conflict entered its fifth week and began affecting global shipping routes. The Strait of Hormuz — a narrow waterway that carries a large portion of the world’s petrochemical trade — saw major disruptions. Many shipping companies started rerouting their vessels through the Cape of Good Hope instead. This alternative route adds about 15–20 extra days to delivery times.

This disruption has directly affected India’s condom manufacturing industry, which is valued at around $860 million (₹7,100–8,170 crore).

The problem is not just about oil. The conflict has also affected the supply of petrochemical derivatives that are essential for making condoms. Industry sources reported immediate delays in receiving raw materials, creating uncertainty in production and increasing costs.

India’s Condom Industry: Scale and Importance

India produces more than 400 crore (4 billion) condoms every year. These are supplied both for domestic family planning programmes and for export markets.

Government-owned HLL Lifecare Ltd alone produces around 221 crore condoms annually. Private companies such as Mankind Pharma Ltd and Cupid Ltd also play a major role in supplying condoms within India and exporting them to other countries.

The industry works on a high-volume, low-profit margin model so that condoms remain affordable for India’s population of about 1.4 billion people. Government purchases through HLL help support large-scale distribution for public health and family planning programmes.

The Raw Materials That Got Stuck

Condom production depends heavily on two key petrochemical materials:

• Anhydrous ammonia: This chemical is used to stabilise natural rubber latex. India imports about 86% of its requirement from Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman. Manufacturers say prices could increase by 40–50%.
• Silicone oil: This is used as a lubricant during production. Industry sources reported a major shortage, which has created uncertainty in the market.

In addition, there is pressure from shortages and price fluctuations in PVC foil, aluminium foil and other packaging materials, which are also linked to petrochemical production.

Most of these materials are shipped through the Strait of Hormuz. When shipping routes were disrupted, deliveries slowed down and costs increased.

What Major Manufacturers Are Saying

Companies such as HLL Lifecare, Mankind Pharma and Cupid Ltd confirmed delays in receiving key raw materials because of disrupted shipping routes.

An official from one manufacturing company told reporters that supply constraints and rising raw material costs have already started affecting production schedules and order deliveries.

A distributor for HLL’s Moods brand said in early April 2026 that current stock levels should be enough for about four months. However, industry groups warned that if the disruption continues for longer, it could lead to wider shortages and higher retail prices.

Effects Beyond the Factory

This issue comes after the same conflict had already affected India’s LPG supply earlier. Similar petrochemical shortages have also been reported in industries such as cement, steel and glass.

For condoms, the concern goes beyond manufacturing. Reduced availability or higher prices could affect family planning programmes and may increase the risk of unintended pregnancies.

As of April 3–6, 2026, there has been no nationwide shortage in retail markets, but manufacturers say planning production has become increasingly uncertain.

Why This Situation Matters

The Iran–US conflict began with strikes in late February 2026. By early April, its economic impact had reached an unexpected industry.

India’s heavy dependence on Gulf-sourced petrochemicals for essential health products has exposed a weakness in global supply chains. The challenges faced by the condom industry reflect broader concerns raised by trade groups about longer shipping times and supply disruptions in chemical materials.

As of April 6, 2026, the situation remains uncertain. Manufacturers are closely watching shipping routes and the availability of raw materials while preparing for possible price increases.

The situation also shows how a geopolitical crisis in West Asia can quickly affect everyday essentials in India — from cooking fuel to condoms.