The price of bitumen, a crude oil residue used in road construction, has surged dramatically since March, driven by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The cost per 156‑kg barrel rose from ₹10,093 on March 5 to ₹14,915 on September 16, an increase of ₹4,822. Per‑tonne prices climbed from ₹61,126 to ₹85,955, a rise of ₹24,829, affecting the budgets of road‑work projects across the state.
The spike has left many roads in poor condition, with stretches such as Durbar Hall Ground, Vytilla Junction and Valanjambalam suffering from deterioration that hampers traffic and causes frequent logjams. Bulging along metro pillars poses a particular danger to two‑wheelers, according to P.C. Ajithkumar, general secretary of the Ernakulam District Residents’ Associations’ Apex Council.
In response, the Kochi Corporation is exploring the possibility of allowing additional estimates to bridge the gap between original agreements and the new price levels. Chairperson of the works standing committee, T.K. Asharaf, said an arrangement would be made in consultation with the mayor to permit extra estimates for the completion of road works, noting that BMBC road works are underway in every corporation zone. Jayadeep Narasimhan, a senior private‑company executive, criticised the shoddy restoration work by agencies such as the Kerala Water Authority and cable companies, calling for fines against those responsible for poor quality.
Sree Shankar, a bank employee, highlighted that the Thammanam‑Pulleppady Road remains in a perpetual state of repair and that metro works have left the Kakkanad stretch virtually unmotorable. The Public Works Department had issued an order allowing excess costs due to the bitumen price hike, but that order applies only to PWD works and not to local‑body projects. Sunny Chennikkara, general secretary of the All Kerala Government Contractors Association, said the state is awaiting a similar directive from the Finance Department, noting that works worth around ₹1 lakh crore are currently underway. Price variation is anticipated for projects with schedules exceeding 18 months, and BPCL and HPCL remain the major suppliers of bitumen in the state.
