Amid War-Driven Price Hikes, Taichung Mayor Says Condoms Sold for Just NT$2 Each

(CNA, Taichung, May 21, by reporter Chao Li-yen) The war in the Middle East has impacted the global condom supply chain, with market rumors suggesting potential price increases. Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen stated today that Taichung's city-wide public health centers sold a total of 1,660 dozen condoms last year for only NT$25 per dozen, averaging about NT$2 per condom. During a Taichung City Council session, Kuomintang (KMT) City Councilor Chen Wen-cheng stated that the Middle East war has led to raw material shortages and rising condom prices, and he acknowledged the Taichung City Government's swift response in providing affordable condoms to the public. In her response, Lu said that condoms can prevent diseases and unplanned pregnancies. She noted that the condoms sold by the Taichung City Government Health Bureau are reasonably priced and have passed safety inspections. The city will continue to implement public health policies and health education to ensure that citizens in need can obtain qualified, safe protective equipment at a reasonable price to safeguard their health.