Shimla, May 17 -- Spike in prices of bitumen had adversely hit road repair and tarring work across Himachal Pradesh posing challenge to the public works department (PWD) as contractors are stopping work due to fears of mounting losses.

According to the department, the price of bitumen- a petroleum byproduct essential for road construction - has surged to nearly Rs.82 per kg-almost double the price of Rs.42 per kg rate recorded last year. This sudden spike has widened the gap between approved project costs and actual expenses, making several road works financially unviable for contractors.

PWD minister Vikramaditya Singh on Saturday said, "Bitumen is one of the most economically viable materials used in road construction. However, the sp...