KOCHI: The prices of building materials are skyrocketing day by day, darkening the dream of the common man to own a house and big projects alike. While recovering from the pandemic situation, the deregulation of construction materials plunged the sector into crisis.

For the past two years, prices of stone, cement, metal, cement blocks, bricks, rods, tiles, electrification and plumbing materials have been rising steadily. However, prices soared as Covid second wave waned and the manufacturing sector became more active.

Inflation has been attributed to rising fuel prices, lower production and a shortage of raw materials.

The main reason for the recent sharp rise in the price of cement was the shortage of coal. As the price of coal fell, so did the price of cement.

The price of granite rose after the quarries were completely shut down. Once the sand ming was blocked, tripled the amount had to be given to bring sand from Tamil Nadu.

Wire and power cables cost up to 50 per cent more. Copper, steel materials, angles, sheets and switchboards are priced at 15-25 per cent higher.

Government intervention is necessary

Varghese Kannampilly, Govt Contractors' Association President, says the government can intervene in two ways.

1. The goods should be made available at a pre-determined price for one year

2. The policy of making the goods available at the contract day price should be implemented

Item, Current Price (price six months ago, price two years ago in brackets)

Stone (150 ft load): 7,500 - 8,000 (6,000, 4500)
Cement (sack): 450 - 480 (510, 300)
Metal (150 ft load): 8,250 (6,200, 3,800)
Bundles (350): 14,700 (11,300, 5,400)
Working wire: kg / 76: 74 (74, 48)
Iron pipe: kg: 140 (115, 60)
M Sand (150 ft load): 11,000 (6,300, 5,500)
Tiles: Sq Ft: 80 (65, 50)
Brick - One: 12 (9, 8)
Paint: Rs 42 more per liter