The cost of condoms could increase if the ongoing conflict involving Iran continues to strain global supply chains, according to the head of the world’s largest condom producer.

Karex CEO Goh Miah Kiat told Reuters that the company may have to increase prices by between 20% and 30%, depending on how long the disruptions persist.

Since late February, supply chains have been affected by tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for materials used in manufacturing.

Goh noted that the situation remains unstable, with rising costs forcing the company to pass expenses on to customers.

Karex, based in Malaysia, produces a wide range of medical and personal care products, including well-known condom brands such as ONE, Trustex, Carex and Pasante. The firm manufactures billions of condoms each year and supplies over 130 countries.

In addition to higher production and packaging costs, the company is also facing shipping delays. Goh explained that many shipments are stuck in transit, leaving some markets undersupplied despite high demand.

While global attention has largely focused on rising fuel prices linked to the conflict, experts say the impact goes beyond oil.

Shortages of key industrial materials known as feedstocks are also affecting production. These include naphtha, used in packaging, as well as silicon oil and ammonia, which are essential in condom manufacturing.

According to industry analysts, disruptions in the supply of these materials many of which come from the Middle East are pushing up production costs. Asia, in particular, is vulnerable due to its reliance on the region for energy and raw materials.

The situation is further complicated by fuel rationing in some Southeast Asian countries, which is affecting transport and workers’ ability to reach factories. This could slow down manufacturing and delay exports of essential goods.

For now, Karex says it has enough stock to last a few months, but continued instability could lead to higher prices and tighter supply in the near future.

The Harare City Council has fitted over 40 000 homes with prepaid water meters, targets 100 000 this year and is rehabilitating Morton Jaffray to nearly double daily output.

The City of Harare and its partner Helcraw Water have also embarked on a massive rehabilitation of Morton Jaffray Water Works to improve water production and delivery for residents.

In a statement, the City Council said for this year the target is to install 100 000 smart water meters.

“Currently, the plant is producing on average, slightly over 300 mega litres a day but with the coming in of Helcraw, production is expected to rise to around 520 mega litres a day, on completion of works currently underway,” the statement said.

“The City of Harare has been losing water through leakages caused by old water pipes but through its partnership with Helcraw, the City is replacing the old pipes.

“The rehabilitation of Morton Jaffray Water Works, the replacing of old pipes and installation of smart water meters will certainly go a long way in alleviating water challenges faced in some parts of Harare.”

Recently, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume said prepaid water meters being installed will benefit ratepayers.

“So, once you have a prepaid water meter, if you do not get water, we will not charge you. We are no longer giving you a bill based on estimates,” he said.

“For Council, it means we get our money in advance and in real time and we can invest in water,” he said.

KARIBA – A 45-year-old man, Tawanda Chifamba, widely known as Mbare, died after being attacked by a crocodile at Lake Kariba near the Lomagundi Resort area.

Reports indicate that Chifamba had gone fishing and was setting up his gear when the crocodile attacked. Sources say emergency responders did not arrive immediately, making it difficult to quickly identify the animal involved and recover his remains.

Authorities initially tracked and killed a crocodile believed to be responsible, but it was later confirmed that the reptile was not linked to the attack.

After an extensive overnight search, Chifamba’s remains were recovered the following morning. During the operation, ZIMPARKS rangers killed another large crocodile, although no human remains were found inside it.

Crocodile attacks remain a serious danger along the lake’s shoreline, even as fishing continues to be a key activity for many local residents.