Sand, cement, steel prices rise; construction sector feels heat

MALAPPURAM: A rise in the prices of construction materials has pushed the construction sector into a crisis, with shortages and increased fuel costs adding to the pressure. Construction materials for Kerala are sourced mainly from Tamil Nadu. However, a temporary restriction on the movement of materials out of the state, amid development activities in Tamil Nadu, has affected supplies to Kerala. Prices were also increased three times in July and once in August.

The price rise has left contractors struggling to complete projects that were taken up at earlier rates. The price of M-sand (rock sand), which was earlier Rs 40 per cubic foot in the state, has now risen to Rs 60. P-sand (plastering sand) has increased from Rs 60 to Rs 75 per cubic foot, while the price of metal has gone up from Rs 32 to Rs 40.
The price of a 50-kg bag of cement has risen from Rs 300 to Rs 360. Tile prices have increased from Rs 40 to Rs 55 per square foot.
A 150-cubic-foot load of black stone, which earlier cost Rs 9,000, now costs Rs 10,000. The price of steel, which earlier ranged from Rs 58 to Rs 68 per kg, has increased to between Rs 64 and Rs 85.
Stone, sand, steel and cement required for construction are transported from quarries and factories to construction sites in heavy trucks. Transport charges have also increased due to the rise in fuel prices.