The condom shortage could result in 50 new infections a day at a time when business here swells by 50 to 100 per cent. About 1.5 lakh condoms are supplied to the red-light area in Central Mumbai, including Kamathipura, Falkland Road and Nagpada. The shortage has therefore pushed prices up from around 25 paise to Rs 1 in areas like Falkland Road though they have remained largely stable in Kamathipura and Pauwalla Lane.

Condoms are distributed by the Maharashtra State Aids Control Society to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and two other intervention projects working in the red-light district to stem the spread of HIV among the high-risk population. Most of the condoms are distributedfree.

Voluntary organisations say the shortage will cripple AIDS-control projects as a large percentage of prostitutes have been insisting that their clients use condoms ever since awareness programmes were initiated here. ``Nirhod has become a lifesaver for us after the AIDS scare in the red-light areas. Patrons come to us only because they feel safe with condoms,'' remarks Gangamma of 12th Kamathipura Lane.

J V R Prasad Rao, National Aids Control Organisation project director, has written to the Indian Health Organisation, a voluntary organisation working stated that supply of condoms should be resumed immediately. Since condoms are supplied by the Government of India free, there is no reason why supplies should be stopped, he says. However, Dr C K Balpande, additional project director with Maharashtra State Aids Control Society, denies that there is a shortage.