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Story perspectives

Iran war drives 30% drug price surge, pharmacies closing.

4/24/2026

50 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Paracetamol and cetirizine prices have risen 20-30% at pharmacy counters since the Iran war began.
A Berkshire pharmacy said wholesale cost for a 100-tablet pack of 500 mg paracetamol jumped from 41p to £1.99 in March.
Air freight costs have doubled, pressuring supplies of Gulf-derived drugs such as aspirin and co-codamol.
Since 2020, 1,400 community pharmacies have closed, causing the sector to lose one or two outlets each week.

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Story summary

Paracetamol and cetirizine prices have risen 20-30% at pharmacy counters since the Iran war began.
A Berkshire pharmacy said wholesale cost for a 100-tablet pack of 500 mg paracetamol jumped from 41p to £1.99 in March.
Air freight costs have doubled, pressuring supplies of Gulf-derived drugs such as aspirin and co-codamol.
Since 2020, 1,400 community pharmacies have closed, causing the sector to lose one or two outlets each week.