Construction associations in Greece have reported a staggering 34% increase in asphalt prices in just one week, urging the government for immediate regulatory reforms to allow for compensatory payments. This dramatic price hike is believed to be connected to international developments in the energy sector, posing significant challenges for the timely execution of public works projects across the country.

In a joint letter to Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Dimas and National Economy and Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis, associations including PEDMEDE, PESDDE, and SAVE highlight the urgent need for measures to mitigate the impact of rising material costs on ongoing projects. The price of asphalt reached 511.34 euros per ton on March 7, 2026, a notable increase from 381.64 euros per ton just a week prior, indicating a sharp upward trend that contractors find unsustainable.

The construction associations stress that asphalt is a vital and irreplaceable material for road construction and other technical interventions, with the rapid escalation in costs jeopardizing not only existing public infrastructure projects but also future investments. If the government fails to act promptly, the continuation of these essential public works could be severely disrupted, impacting broader economic stability and development in Greece.