Patna: Prices of essential construction materials, including sand, cement and aluminium, have risen across Bihar, pushing up overall construction costs and putting pressure on households planning to build homes.
Sand Prices Surge Ahead of Mining Restrictions
Traders and consumers reported a sharp rise in sand prices over the past two weeks, ahead of the annual monsoon-related mining restrictions.
According to market sources, a tractor-trolley load of sand (around 100 cubic feet), which cost Rs 5,000–Rs 5,500 about 15 days ago, is now selling at Rs 7,000–Rs 8,000 in several areas.
Construction material traders said sand mining is expected to remain suspended from June 15 to October 15, a routine seasonal restriction that affects supply every year.
Allegations of Artificial Shortage
Local residents have alleged irregularities in pricing, claiming that some operators are creating artificial scarcity to charge higher rates.
Areas including Jaganpura and the Ford Hospital locality in Patna have reported instances where parked vehicles carrying sand remain idle for hours, while buyers are quoted elevated prices.
Consumers also alleged that some vendors are refusing to issue bills or receipts, raising concerns about transparency in the supply chain.
Aluminium Prices Up Sharply
Traders said aluminium prices have increased by nearly 70 per cent over the past year, attributing the rise to global supply chain disruptions and higher import costs.
The increase has directly impacted the cost of doors, windows, frames and related fittings used in residential and commercial construction.
Cement Prices Show Fluctuation
Cement prices have also seen an upward trend in recent months. Traders said rates rose by Rs 40 to Rs 60 per bag during March and April, before stabilising partially in recent weeks.
Some traders noted that cement prices increased by 4 to 8 per cent during that period, reflecting fluctuating demand and supply conditions in the market.
Mixed Trends in Construction Market
While cement and sand have shown volatility, traders said prices of steel reinforcement bars, gravel and some other materials have remained relatively stable for now.
Aditya, a trader from Mithapur, said cement prices rose earlier in the year but have since shown signs of stabilisation, while other materials have not seen major fluctuations.
Pappu Singh from Shahganj said cement rates had increased by around Rs 20–Rs 25 per bag, while Bablu Gupta noted price hikes following recent political and market shifts before partial stabilisation.
Pressure on Middle-Class Housing Plans
Stakeholders in the construction sector said rising input costs are disproportionately affecting middle-class families planning to build homes within limited budgets.
Experts cautioned that if supply chains and transport operations face further disruption during the monsoon season, construction costs may rise further in the coming months.
