India may see condom prices rise in 2026 as manufacturers face rising costs for key raw materials and ongoing global supply-chain disruptions. Industry experts point to sharp increases in the prices of ammonia and silicone oil—both essential in condom production—as the main drivers.
Condoms are largely made from natural latex, which requires ammonia for stabilization during processing. Silicone oil is widely used as a lubricant to improve product feel and usability. Recent reports suggest ammonia prices could increase by 40–50 percent, while silicone oil has already become significantly more expensive because of global shortages.
India’s heavy reliance on imports compounds the problem: nearly 86 percent of the country’s ammonia supply comes from Gulf nations, making the industry vulnerable to geopolitical tensions and interruptions in that region. Disrupted shipments and tighter supply chains have led to production delays and higher operational costs for manufacturers.
Producers now face a dual challenge—managing higher input costs while keeping production steady to meet demand. Many are likely to pass at least part of the increased cost burden to consumers, which could raise retail prices nationwide.
The scale of any price rise remains uncertain. Because condoms are an essential public-health product, government intervention could help stabilise the market. Possible measures include subsidies, price controls, or incentives to boost domestic production of key raw materials, which would cushion consumers and manufacturers against volatile global markets.
