Jeju Road Projects Ground to a Halt Amidst Asphalt Binder Shortage

Road construction across Jeju Island faces an indefinite halt as a critical shortage of asphalt binder, known locally as 'ascon,' paralyzes vital infrastructure projects. Fifteen separate road repair and construction initiatives are currently stalled, leaving roads like the one in Daeheul-ri, Jocheon-eup, cracked and dangerous, with vehicles rattling over the damaged surfaces. The situation is dire, with local ascon producers having exhausted their existing stockpiles and facing a complete cutoff of raw material supply from mainland refineries.

The root cause of this disruption is attributed to the escalating tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which have severely impacted global oil markets and, consequently, the supply of asphalt binder. This vital component, a byproduct of crude oil, is essential for producing ascon, which is then mixed with aggregates to create the material used for roads, walkways, and even airport runways.

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Our factories are currently producing ascon using existing inventory, but factories will start halting operations from next week.

Officials from the Jeju Provincial Government's Construction and Housing Division are scrambling to find a solution, with hopes that asphalt supplies might resume in early May. However, the immediate future looks bleak, with many production facilities on the island expected to cease operations as early as next week. This widespread suspension not only impacts the quality of life for residents and tourists navigating Jeju's deteriorating roads but also raises concerns about the broader economic implications for the construction sector on the island.

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Supplies (asphalt) from the mainland are expected to arrive in early May.