Bitumen price surge hits road works, adding to motorists’ woes in Kochi
The cost of bitumen in Kerala’s capital rose sharply, climbing from ₹10,093 to ₹14,915 per 156‑kg barrel between early March and mid‑September. The Kochi Corporation is considering permitting extra estimates to offset the price jump. Contractors are requesting a directive from the Finance department to reimburse the additional expenses incurred in local‑body projects to support upcoming roadworks.