In the aftermath of Supreme Court directives, the crushed stone plant industry in Hazara has been significantly affected, with multiple plants shutting down operations. This has led to a sharp escalation in the price of crushed stone, a key material for construction, sending ripples of concern throughout the region. Both suppliers and ordinary citizens are feeling the impact of this sudden price hike, which is disrupting construction projects and pushing building costs higher than ever before.
Industry sources suggest that crushed stone plant owners, in coordination with leaseholders, have deliberately scaled back their operations, creating an artificial shortage in the supply chain. This intentional reduction in production has led to a dramatic increase in prices, with the market experiencing inflated costs across all grades of crushed stone. The artificial scarcity, coupled with a rise in demand due to ongoing construction projects, has worsened the situation for both suppliers and consumers.
Prominent local suppliers, including Shaukat Mahmood, Arif Khan, Tauqeer Shah, and Taimoor Ali, confirmed that prices have surged by as much as Rs 3,000 per hundred. A-grade crushed stone, previously priced at Rs 6,000, has now skyrocketed to Rs 7,500, while B-grade stone has increased from Rs 5,500 to Rs 6,500.
The most significant price hike has been observed in C-grade stone, which has jumped from Rs 4,000 to Rs 6,000. These unprecedented price hikes are reducing the number of orders from citizens, who are finding it difficult to afford essential building materials amid the ongoing crisis.
Crushed stone plant owners operating in key areas such as Khanpur, Suraj Street, Sarai Saleh, Chapar Road, and neighboring regions have cited several reasons for this price inflation. Rising electricity costs have made it more expensive to operate machinery, while taxes imposed by the mineral department have doubled, further increasing the financial burden on plant owners.
Additionally, commercial rates have surged due to escalating energy prices, making it challenging for operators to maintain profitability. Labor costs have also contributed to the rising expenses, as plant owners struggle to meet daily wage requirements for their workers in a highly competitive market.
The ripple effects of this crisis extend beyond suppliers and plant owners, as ordinary citizens, builders, and contractors are now facing difficulties in sourcing affordable materials. Many construction projects are being delayed or downsized due to the exorbitant cost of crushed stone, which is essential for foundations, roads, and infrastructure development.
The uncertainty surrounding the crushed stone supply chain is raising concerns that the crisis could further disrupt the construction industry across Hazara and other regions that depend on these materials.
As the situation continues to evolve, industry stakeholders are calling for government intervention to stabilize prices and ensure that crushed stone remains accessible to the general public. Without immediate action, the construction sector may face long-term challenges, affecting both infrastructure development and the livelihoods of those dependent on the industry.
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