Condom shortage after supply wrangle
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Britain faces a condom shortage because of a legal dispute between the UK's leading provider, Durex, and its main supplier in India, prompting fears of an increase in sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.
The Indian firm TTK Lig halted its supply of condoms to Durex in May after a dispute over pricing and distribution rights with Dulux's owner, Reckitt Benckiser.
The Indian company produces more than half of Durex's condoms, which account for around 40 per cent of the global condom market. The Slough-based company launched a High Court bid to force TTK to resume production and supply but the case failed.
The dispute is also pending a review at India's Company Law Board, a quasi-judicial body which decides on company disputes.
A shortage of condoms in Britain will not, however, affect the NHS, the Department of Health said yesterday. "NHS Supply Chain has made clear that condoms are available from alternative manufacturers," a spokeswoman said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments