# Bitumen price surge hits Kochi road repairs, commuters suffer 2026-09-24T22:57:03+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets The price of bitumen, a crude oil residue, has risen by Rs 4,822 per barrel since March, from Rs 10,093 to Rs 14,915, and per-tonne from Rs 61,126 to Rs 85,955, due to the West Asia conflict. The hike has stalled road works in Kochi, leaving many stretches in poor condition and causing frequent traffic jams and accidents. The Kochi Corporation is considering allowing additional estimates to cover the cost overrun for ongoing projects. Local residents and commuters report severe delays and dangerous conditions on roads such as Pachalam-Vaduthala, Thammanam-Pulleppady, and near Durbar Hall Ground. The All Kerala Government Contractors Association says works worth around Rs 1 lakh crore are under way across the state, but many are stalled due to the price variation. The state PWD has issued an order allowing excess costs, but it does not cover local body projects, which await a similar Finance department directive. ## Indian Opinion Analysis The Hindu's report leads with the bitumen price data and the corporation's administrative response, framing the crisis as a cost-escalation problem requiring a policy fix. The New Indian Express leads with a commuter's personal story of delayed travel time, foregrounding the human cost of inaction. Neither source is critical of the government, both present the price surge as an external factor. The balanced reading is that while the state seeks a financial solution, the immediate burden falls on daily commuters. The Finance department's directive on price variation for local body projects is the concrete next step to watch. ## Coverage - thehindu.com (neutral report) Leads with price data and official response, no editorialising. - newindianexpress.com (neutral report) Leads with a commuter's anecdote, no blame assigned to government. Tags: bitumen, Kerala, Kochi, Kochi Corporation, Public Works Department Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/bitumen-price-surge-hits-road-works-worsens-kochi-commute/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/bitumen-price-surge-hits-road-works-worsens-kochi-commute/#story-in-brief