Construction material prices set to rise sharply due to Middle East conflict

Danish construction chains Jem & Fix, Bygma, and STARK warn that building material costs will soon increase significantly as oil and gas prices climb amid ongoing Middle East tensions, DR reports.

Suppliers have already issued price increase notices in recent weeks, according to Peter Nyboe, sales and purchasing director at Jem & Fix. Some products, including roofing materials, have already risen by up to 40%, forcing homeowners like Matias Myhre from Vester Hassing to delay projects such as a planned wooden terrace.

“We’ve postponed building the terrace because materials have become too expensive,” Myhre said.

Industry experts advise consumers to purchase materials now if projects are already planned. “If you have drawings ready, space, and budget, it’s wise to buy supplies for spring projects,” said Tue Patursson of Bolius, a building advisory center. However, he cautioned against unnecessary renovations: “With rising prices, carefully consider whether you truly need a new bathroom or playhouse right now.”

Construction sector faces difficult year ahead

Michael Jørgensen, chairman of DI Byggeri Nordjylland and director of NCO Byg, warned that higher material costs will delay projects, worsening losses from the winter slowdown. “Many construction tasks will be postponed, making it harder for companies to recover from early-year setbacks,” he said.

Retailers like Jem & Fix are selling existing stock at current prices, but expect increases within months as inventories deplete. “We’re working to keep prices stable, but the market is shifting,” Nyboe said. The price hikes stem from disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, raising fuel and production costs for materials like piping and insulation.