Stone quarries in Pudukottai hike prices of M-sand and P-sand; construction activities in Tiruchi take a hit

Upward revision of M-sand, P-sand, and blue metals prices in Pudukottai impacting construction industry in Tiruchi.

The upward revision of rates of manufactured sand (M-sand), plastering manufactured sand (P-sand) and blue metals by stone quarries in Pudukottai has hit the construction industry in Tiruchi.

M-sand and P-sand have been widely used for construction work by builders and engineers since the closure of most sand quarries in Cauvery and the Kollidam in Tiruchi, Karur and Thanjavur districts in 2017 following an order of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. Though a few builders still prefer to use sand for plastering, but finding it difficult to source sand, they are forced to depend on M. sand and P. sand. They source it from quarries in Karur, Perambalur and Pudukottai districts.

In addition to the demand of the construction industry, the quarries meet the demand of laying rural and highway roads. Contractors also use quarry powder for constructing drainage, compound walls and other structures too.

In this scenario, the M-sand manufacturers in Pudukottai have increased the prices.

According to sources, the price of a lorry load of M-sand (four units) has gone up to ₹20,000 from ₹16,000. Similarly, the price of one load of P-sand has gone up to ₹24,000 from ₹20,000. The price of blue metals has also been increased to ₹4,000 per unit from ₹3,200. Lorry transporters claim that there has been no change in transportation costs. The steep increase is solely due to a collective decision of the crusher owners.

“The prices of M-sand, P-sand and blue metals have been increased by ₹1,000 per unit on average. We have not increased the transport charges,” says a transport operator in Tiruchi.

Sources added that transporters charge ₹4,500 to ₹5,000 for transporting four units of M-sand or P-sand. It means that rate of four units of M-sand will cost ₹25,000 in Tiruchi. However, it is said that the suppliers in Karur continue to supply M-sand in the prices effected in February 2024.