Bitumen NEW DELHI: Govt is staring at a major shortage of bitumen due to the ongoing West Asia conflict, which is set to impact construction and maintenance of tar roads. While the price of VG-40, the most commonly used grade of bitumen, has almost doubled since the conflict began, its availability has plummeted compared to the estimated requirement of around six lakh tonnes till July 15, only for highway projects.Industry insiders said that while crude oil availability in the country remains comfortable due to import of Russian oil, it has not improved bitumen supply. Sweet crude from Russia can’t produce the bitumen grade that’s suitable for Indian weather conditions.Russian oil contains very low levels of sulphur, which naturally produce lower bitumen grades like VG-10 or VG-30 without specialised processing.“VG-40 is produced from crude that we get from West Asian countries and even most of the finished products were imported from these nationals through the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has hit this supply and the ripple effect is felt on the maintenance and construction of highways,” said a person aware of the developments.The issue was also flagged at the last meeting of informal Group of Ministers (iGoM) headed by defence minister Rajnath Singh, highlighting how non-availability of the required quality of bitumen has reduced the pace of highway construction to one-fourth in April, persons in the know said. Officials said the impact is similar in the case of rural, municipal and state roads.Industry players said that while the road transport ministry has notified that highway builders in all types of projects will be adequately compensated for higher price of bitumen, the key challenge is to get the required supply before the monsoon for timely maintenance. The price of one tonne of VG-40 at different oil marketing companies (OMCs) increased from Rs 53,000-58,000 on March 1 to over Rs 1 lakh on May 1.“The prices are increasing further. But the larger challenge is how do we get bitumen to complete our work even at a higher cost. There have been several and continuous deliberation with officials and OMCs as well. Going by the trend of current availability, the supply will be far less than the requirement,” said a senior executive of a highway construction.Officials said that though the current availability of bitumen with OMCs is much less, efforts are on to see how to get more supply, including through imports even at a higher price.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosVenezuela Overtakes Saudi Arabia As India’s Third-Largest Oil Supplier Amid Global Energy TurmoilMarco Rubio Calls India “Great Ally”, Says US Ready To Sell Massive Energy Supply To New DelhiBhojshala Dispute Reaches Supreme Court As Muslim Side Challenges MP High Court Temple VerdictFIR Filed Against Parambrata Chattopadhyay & Swastika Mukherjee Over 2021 Social Media PostsFIR Filed Against Parambrata Chattopadhyay & Swastika Mukherjee Over 2021 Social Media Posts“Viksit Bharat 2047 Is Our Commitment”: PM Modi Pushes Faster Governance At Key Ministers’ MeetCBI Frees UP Man In Suvendu Adhikari PA Murder Case; Raj Singh Alleges Torture, Encounter ThreatCalcutta High Court Junks Pleas On West Bengal Cattle Slaughter Rules Ahead Of Bakr Eid‘Menon’ Surname Row: VD Satheesan Faces Heat From Kerala Congress Leaders Over Oath Name ChoiceIUML And VCK To Also Join Vijay Cabinet In Tamil Nadu, Expansion Tomorrow: Report123Photostories”They temporarily close down the mess because of me.” Sundar Pichai on being popular for a day in collegeSuccess quote of the day by Albert Einstein: “Try not to become a man of success, but…”Gigi Hadid’s New York apartment is all about a millennial’s rustic and boho in modernity: 5 artsy inspirations to steal7 things children remember about their parents foreverDowry harassment to divorce settlement: 5 Indian marital cases that changed marriage rights for womenCould a human survive an anaconda squeeze?8 smart air fryer hacks that will make cooking easierWhy many eye diseases show no symptoms in the beginning10 legal documents you must check before buying a property in IndiaNelson Mandela quotes that define courage, leadership, and resilience123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Indian rupeeUP HeatwaveHardoi fireNID DAT counselling 2026TN Ministers ListTop TrendingTN Finance Minister Marie WilsonNID DAT counsellingChristiano RonaldoPM ModiHardik PandyaJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Conor McGregor Net WorthNEET UG Paper LeakWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana
NEW DELHI: Govt is staring at a major shortage of bitumen due to the ongoing West Asia conflict, which is set to impact construction and maintenance of tar roads. While the price of VG-40, the most commonly used grade of bitumen, has almost doubled since the conflict began, its availability has plummeted compared to the estimated requirement of around six lakh tonnes till July 15, only for highway projects.Industry insiders said that while crude oil availability in the country remains comfortable due to import of Russian oil, it has not improved bitumen supply. Sweet crude from Russia can’t produce the bitumen grade that’s suitable for Indian weather conditions.Russian oil contains very low levels of sulphur, which naturally produce lower bitumen grades like VG-10 or VG-30 without specialised processing.“VG-40 is produced from crude that we get from West Asian countries and even most of the finished products were imported from these nationals through the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has hit this supply and the ripple effect is felt on the maintenance and construction of highways,” said a person aware of the developments.The issue was also flagged at the last meeting of informal Group of Ministers (iGoM) headed by defence minister Rajnath Singh, highlighting how non-availability of the required quality of bitumen has reduced the pace of highway construction to one-fourth in April, persons in the know said. Officials said the impact is similar in the case of rural, municipal and state roads.Industry players said that while the road transport ministry has notified that highway builders in all types of projects will be adequately compensated for higher price of bitumen, the key challenge is to get the required supply before the monsoon for timely maintenance. The price of one tonne of VG-40 at different oil marketing companies (OMCs) increased from Rs 53,000-58,000 on March 1 to over Rs 1 lakh on May 1.“The prices are increasing further. But the larger challenge is how do we get bitumen to complete our work even at a higher cost. There have been several and continuous deliberation with officials and OMCs as well. Going by the trend of current availability, the supply will be far less than the requirement,” said a senior executive of a highway construction.Officials said that though the current availability of bitumen with OMCs is much less, efforts are on to see how to get more supply, including through imports even at a higher price.
![File photo NEW DELHI: “Cow slaughter will also be done,” AJUP chief and West Bengal MLA Humayun Kabir said, triggering a fresh political controversy as he asserted that the Quran mandates qurbani and insisted that ritual sacrifice of animals would continue despite the state government’s recent restrictions on animal slaughter ahead of Eid.Stating that ritual sacrifice “will happen at any cost”, Kabir accused the administration of interfering in religious practices.His remarks drew sharp reactions from the BJP, which maintained that the issue was about enforcing the law and preventing illegal cow slaughter, rather than targeting any community.“We respect the law. But qurbani will happen. Whatever is written in the Quran will happen. I want to tell Suvendu Adhikari directly not to play with fire. It may prove dangerous for you. The Muslim community will not compromise on qurbani,” Kabir said on Thursday.The AJUP chief openly challenged the West Bengal government’s recent public notice issued under the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950.“The government can make a rule asking Muslims not to eat beef, but ritual sacrifice (qurbani) will continue. We won’t listen to any objections,” he said.Calling it a centuries-old tradition, Kabir added, “It’s a tradition that has been going on for 1400 years and will continue as long as the world exists.”“The sacrifice of cows, goats and camels will continue,” Kabir added.Kabir also expressed resentment over restrictions on offering prayers on roads and demanded adequate spaces for Eid congregations. “If arrangements are not made, then pujas on roads should not be allowed either,” he added.BJP defends slaughter regulationsReacting to Kabir’s remarks, BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya said the issue was about enforcing the law and preventing illegal activities.“Illegal slaughterhouses will not be allowed to operate,” Bhattacharya said, according to news agency PTI. He added that the BJP does not interfere with individual food preferences but opposes public slaughter of cows.West Bengal minister Dilip Ghosh claimed that “cow slaughter is not associated with any religion”.“There are no cows where Islam originates from. Cow slaughter used to be done here to cause pain to the Hindu community”, he added.As per news agency ANI, BJP Telangana president N Ramchander Rao also backed stricter implementation of anti-cow slaughter laws in West Bengal and accused some people of trying to create communal divisions through the issue.“Some people, who are trying to create a rift between the two communities by provoking, purposefully take cows for slaughtering. Some people like Humayun Kabir in Bengal try to make this an issue. Suvendu Adhikari trying to stop cow slaughter is a welcome step. Other states should follow it”, he said.Debate over cow slaughter intensifiesEarlier, Furfura Sharif Pirzada Toha Siddiqui questioned what he described as “double standards” on beef-related policies, asking why exports were permitted while restrictions were imposed domestically.”What the law says needs to be followed. But the law should be the same for everyone. No cow slaughter? Okay, we will accept that. But in India, beef is at number two [referring to exports]. A common man offers a sacrifice, that’s not allowed. And slaughtering the cows of the country and sending them abroad is permissible? Is that okay?” Siddiqui questioned.”Look at every place and other states in India, beef is sold there. So what is it? It’s allowed there, but not here? The law should be one for India”, he further said.At the same time, former Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi case plaintiff Iqbal Ansari urged Muslims to respect cows and called for the animal to be declared India’s national animal.“The cow should not be sacrificed (kurbaani) at all. It is worshipped in Hinduism,” Ansari said, as quoted by ANI.”We are Indian Muslims, and the cow is called ‘Gaumata’, and Muslims should respect cows. The government should declare it the national animal,” Ansari added.High Court refuses to stay Bengal orderThe controversy comes after the Calcutta High Court on Thursday refused to stay the West Bengal government’s order reiterating a ban on slaughter of cattle or buffaloes without a mandatory fitness certificate ahead of Eid-ul-Zuha.The court observed that “the sacrifice of a cow is no part of the festival of Id-Uz-Zuha and is not a religious requirement under Islam”, citing earlier Supreme Court observations.The state government’s May 13 notification stated that animal slaughter in open public places would be strictly prohibited and allowed only at authorised facilities.Violations under the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950, could attract up to six months’ imprisonment, a fine of Rs 1,000, or both.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosVenezuela Overtakes Saudi Arabia As India’s Third-Largest Oil Supplier Amid Global Energy TurmoilMarco Rubio Calls India “Great Ally”, Says US Ready To Sell Massive Energy Supply To New DelhiBhojshala Dispute Reaches Supreme Court As Muslim Side Challenges MP High Court Temple VerdictFIR Filed Against Parambrata Chattopadhyay & Swastika Mukherjee Over 2021 Social Media PostsFIR Filed Against Parambrata Chattopadhyay & Swastika Mukherjee Over 2021 Social Media Posts“Viksit Bharat 2047 Is Our Commitment”: PM Modi Pushes Faster Governance At Key Ministers’ MeetCBI Frees UP Man In Suvendu Adhikari PA Murder Case; Raj Singh Alleges Torture, Encounter ThreatCalcutta High Court Junks Pleas On West Bengal Cattle Slaughter Rules Ahead Of Bakr Eid‘Menon’ Surname Row: VD Satheesan Faces Heat From Kerala Congress Leaders Over Oath Name ChoiceIUML And VCK To Also Join Vijay Cabinet In Tamil Nadu, Expansion Tomorrow: Report123Photostories”They temporarily close down the mess because of me.” Sundar Pichai on being popular for a day in collegeSuccess quote of the day by Albert Einstein: “Try not to become a man of success, but…”Gigi Hadid’s New York apartment is all about a millennial’s rustic and boho in modernity: 5 artsy inspirations to steal7 things children remember about their parents foreverDowry harassment to divorce settlement: 5 Indian marital cases that changed marriage rights for womenCould a human survive an anaconda squeeze?8 smart air fryer hacks that will make cooking easierWhy many eye diseases show no symptoms in the beginning10 legal documents you must check before buying a property in IndiaNelson Mandela quotes that define courage, leadership, and resilience123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Indian rupeeUP HeatwaveHardoi fireNID DAT counselling 2026TN Ministers ListTop TrendingTN Finance Minister Marie WilsonNID DAT counsellingChristiano RonaldoPM ModiHardik PandyaJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Conor McGregor Net WorthNEET UG Paper LeakWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana](https://vknewstoday.in/wp-content/uploads/1779430819_photo.jpg "File photo NEW DELHI: “Cow slaughter will also be done,” AJUP chief and West Bengal MLA Humayun Kabir said, triggering a fresh political controversy as he asserted that the Quran mandates qurbani and insisted that ritual sacrifice of animals would continue despite the state government’s recent restrictions on animal slaughter ahead of Eid.Stating that ritual sacrifice “will happen at any cost”, Kabir accused the administration of interfering in religious practices.His remarks drew sharp reactions from the BJP, which maintained that the issue was about enforcing the law and preventing illegal cow slaughter, rather than targeting any community.“We respect the law. But qurbani will happen. Whatever is written in the Quran will happen. I want to tell Suvendu Adhikari directly not to play with fire. It may prove dangerous for you. The Muslim community will not compromise on qurbani,” Kabir said on Thursday.The AJUP chief openly challenged the West Bengal government’s recent public notice issued under the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950.“The government can make a rule asking Muslims not to eat beef, but ritual sacrifice (qurbani) will continue. We won’t listen to any objections,” he said.Calling it a centuries-old tradition, Kabir added, “It’s a tradition that has been going on for 1400 years and will continue as long as the world exists.”“The sacrifice of cows, goats and camels will continue,” Kabir added.Kabir also expressed resentment over restrictions on offering prayers on roads and demanded adequate spaces for Eid congregations. “If arrangements are not made, then pujas on roads should not be allowed either,” he added.BJP defends slaughter regulationsReacting to Kabir’s remarks, BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya said the issue was about enforcing the law and preventing illegal activities.“Illegal slaughterhouses will not be allowed to operate,” Bhattacharya said, according to news agency PTI. He added that the BJP does not interfere with individual food preferences but opposes public slaughter of cows.West Bengal minister Dilip Ghosh claimed that “cow slaughter is not associated with any religion”.“There are no cows where Islam originates from. Cow slaughter used to be done here to cause pain to the Hindu community”, he added.As per news agency ANI, BJP Telangana president N Ramchander Rao also backed stricter implementation of anti-cow slaughter laws in West Bengal and accused some people of trying to create communal divisions through the issue.“Some people, who are trying to create a rift between the two communities by provoking, purposefully take cows for slaughtering. Some people like Humayun Kabir in Bengal try to make this an issue. Suvendu Adhikari trying to stop cow slaughter is a welcome step. Other states should follow it”, he said.Debate over cow slaughter intensifiesEarlier, Furfura Sharif Pirzada Toha Siddiqui questioned what he described as “double standards” on beef-related policies, asking why exports were permitted while restrictions were imposed domestically.”What the law says needs to be followed. But the law should be the same for everyone. No cow slaughter? Okay, we will accept that. But in India, beef is at number two [referring to exports]. A common man offers a sacrifice, that’s not allowed. And slaughtering the cows of the country and sending them abroad is permissible? Is that okay?” Siddiqui questioned.”Look at every place and other states in India, beef is sold there. So what is it? It’s allowed there, but not here? The law should be one for India”, he further said.At the same time, former Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi case plaintiff Iqbal Ansari urged Muslims to respect cows and called for the animal to be declared India’s national animal.“The cow should not be sacrificed (kurbaani) at all. It is worshipped in Hinduism,” Ansari said, as quoted by ANI.”We are Indian Muslims, and the cow is called ‘Gaumata’, and Muslims should respect cows. The government should declare it the national animal,” Ansari added.High Court refuses to stay Bengal orderThe controversy comes after the Calcutta High Court on Thursday refused to stay the West Bengal government’s order reiterating a ban on slaughter of cattle or buffaloes without a mandatory fitness certificate ahead of Eid-ul-Zuha.The court observed that “the sacrifice of a cow is no part of the festival of Id-Uz-Zuha and is not a religious requirement under Islam”, citing earlier Supreme Court observations.The state government’s May 13 notification stated that animal slaughter in open public places would be strictly prohibited and allowed only at authorised facilities.Violations under the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950, could attract up to six months’ imprisonment, a fine of Rs 1,000, or both.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosVenezuela Overtakes Saudi Arabia As India’s Third-Largest Oil Supplier Amid Global Energy TurmoilMarco Rubio Calls India “Great Ally”, Says US Ready To Sell Massive Energy Supply To New DelhiBhojshala Dispute Reaches Supreme Court As Muslim Side Challenges MP High Court Temple VerdictFIR Filed Against Parambrata Chattopadhyay & Swastika Mukherjee Over 2021 Social Media PostsFIR Filed Against Parambrata Chattopadhyay & Swastika Mukherjee Over 2021 Social Media Posts“Viksit Bharat 2047 Is Our Commitment”: PM Modi Pushes Faster Governance At Key Ministers’ MeetCBI Frees UP Man In Suvendu Adhikari PA Murder Case; Raj Singh Alleges Torture, Encounter ThreatCalcutta High Court Junks Pleas On West Bengal Cattle Slaughter Rules Ahead Of Bakr Eid‘Menon’ Surname Row: VD Satheesan Faces Heat From Kerala Congress Leaders Over Oath Name ChoiceIUML And VCK To Also Join Vijay Cabinet In Tamil Nadu, Expansion Tomorrow: Report123Photostories”They temporarily close down the mess because of me.” Sundar Pichai on being popular for a day in collegeSuccess quote of the day by Albert Einstein: “Try not to become a man of success, but…”Gigi Hadid’s New York apartment is all about a millennial’s rustic and boho in modernity: 5 artsy inspirations to steal7 things children remember about their parents foreverDowry harassment to divorce settlement: 5 Indian marital cases that changed marriage rights for womenCould a human survive an anaconda squeeze?8 smart air fryer hacks that will make cooking easierWhy many eye diseases show no symptoms in the beginning10 legal documents you must check before buying a property in IndiaNelson Mandela quotes that define courage, leadership, and resilience123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Indian rupeeUP HeatwaveHardoi fireNID DAT counselling 2026TN Ministers ListTop TrendingTN Finance Minister Marie WilsonNID DAT counsellingChristiano RonaldoPM ModiHardik PandyaJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Conor McGregor Net WorthNEET UG Paper LeakWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana")
