A sharp rise in bitumen costs has delayed public works department road repairs across the national capital. Contractors have paused resurfacing and pothole work on several stretches while awaiting clarification on contract rates and price escalation mechanisms. Public works department officials said budgetary pressure and sudden input cost increases had prompted a review of ongoing repair orders. The impact has prompted internal audits of recent contracts to assess exposure and liabilities. The rise in bitumen prices followed market movements that have driven up procurement costs for road contractors in recent weeks. Many firms sought adjustments to tender conditions after submitting bids based on earlier price levels and raised claims for additional compensation. The department has initiated consultations with suppliers and contractor associations to examine contractual obligations and possible remedies. Legal teams are reviewing clauses related to input price variations and escalation provisions in last year's tender documents. Delays have affected both routine maintenance and planned patching operations, leaving some arterial roads in a deteriorated condition. Commuter frustration has risen as potholes persist and lane restrictions remain in place where work was halted. Municipal stakeholders said they were exploring options, including supplementary allocations, accelerated procurement, and short-term temporary fixes to restore safety. Resident groups and commuter bodies have sought clearer timelines for repairs and better communication on phased work plans. Officials said the PWD would convene meetings with major bitumen suppliers and contractors to seek agreement on price adjustment clauses and work resumption timetables. Priority will be given to high-traffic corridors and safety-critical repairs, while administrative processes are fast-tracked to limit further disruption. Officials indicated that once contractual adjustments are finalised, contractors will mobilise resources and recommence stalled programmes. The department has also asked municipal corporations to report critical stretches that require immediate intervention and expedite work scheduling urgently.