The ongoing war in the Middle East is exerting upward pressure on global bitumen prices, creating fresh headwinds for road construction projects across Africa.
Bitumen, the essential binder used in asphalt and road surfaces, has seen costs rise sharply as supply chain disruptions and risk premiums associated with the conflict propagate through energy markets.
The impact is being felt disproportionately in Africa, where domestic production of bitumen is limited.
Most African nations rely on imports, making their infrastructure sectors highly sensitive to global price shocks.
Higher input costs are forcing contractors and governments to reassess project budgets, with some facing the prospect of delays or scaled-back plans.
This development adds to a broader pattern of economic spillover from the Middle East conflict.