Pouring Over the Top

摘要

Energy markets showed early warning signs of inflation last when the price of crude oil reached more than $51 barrel during regular trading on the New York Mercan- Global price swings, blamed on labor unrest in some oil-producing nations, on top of tight supplies and high demand, sent nominal fuel prices soaring to their highest in history and their inflation-adjusted highest since the early 1980s. A relatively calm winter season— price-wise—followed by another record-setter in early April, has construction professionals on the watch for more price swings and making bid adjustments whenever possible. "At this point, it appears that the aggravated fuel costs have either been absorbed or subtly passed along to clients," says Karl F. Almstead, vice president of construction costs for Turner Corp. in New York City. Crude oil prices spiked to $58.29 per barrel April 1, falling to the low-to-mid 50s in June.