Construction Work Hit by Bitumen Crisis; Demand for Depots Rises in the State
In Ranchi, the Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FJCCI) and the Builders Association of India (BAI)—Jharkhand Chapter—held a joint press conference to express their concern over the shortage of bitumen and the steep hike in its prices. Chamber President Aditya Malhotra stated that the price of bitumen has surged from ₹40,000 to ₹54,000 per tonne, thereby adversely affecting construction activities. With Bokaro being the only existing depot in the state and the lack of adequate supply, dependence on Haldia has increased. Chairman Raviraj Agarwal noted that due to disrupted supply, road construction work has come to a standstill, and project costs have escalated. The organizations have urged the government to establish bulk bitumen depots within the state, curb price hikes, and ensure an adequate supply of the material.
