Diesel price fall steadies construction costs in June

A 6.5% drop in diesel prices helped offset rises in plumbing and carpentry, with excavation and concrete work among the categories showing declines.

Reviewed by Rakai 30 June 2026

Construction costs held steady in June as a 6.5% fall in diesel prices reduced expenses for machinery-heavy work.

Excavation work costs declined 1.5% during the month, while site preparation and substructure costs each fell 0.4%. Exterior works dropped 0.3%. Concrete-related trades declined 0.3% overall, with ready mixed structural concrete down 0.7%.

Plumbing and carpentry costs rose 0.5% and 0.2% respectively due to product price increases. CostBuilder spokesman Martin Bisset said "anyone planning a project should continue to allow for some movement in costs, as some volatility remains".