Developing
Health·4/23/2026AI summary
Iran War Drives UK Medicine Prices Up 20-30% as Pharmacies Face Soaring Costs
The war in Iran has caused medicine prices in England to jump 20-30%, with paracetamol and hay fever medication most affected. Pharmacies are paying 40-50% more to order stock, while wholesale prices for paracetamol have surged from 41p to £1.99. The conflict has doubled air freight costs and strangled supplies of petroleum derivatives used in medication manufacturing. Over 1,400 pharmacies have closed since 2020, with one or two closing weekly. Manufacturers warn of potential shortages within weeks if the conflict continues.
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Guardian UK