After oil and gas, West Asia war now threatens condom shortage in India

HLL Lifecare Ltd, Mankind Pharma Ltd and Cupid Ltd are grappling with the unavailability of silicone oil (polydimethylsiloxane PDMS) and a surge in ammonia prices, according to multiple people aware of the development. Ammonia is used to stabilize latex and remove excess proteins, while silicone oil coating acts as a lubricant. Production and order execution have been affected by supply constraints and price volatility in key inputs such as polyvinyl chloride foil, aluminium foil, poly, chemicals, and other packaging materials, as well as by logistics disruptions, said a senior executive from a leading condom maker in the country. Around 40–50%…