Paving the Future: How Rising Oil Prices Are Reshaping Asphalt Costs in Colorado

At Colorado Asphalt Works, Inc., we don’t just work with asphalt, we live and breathe it. And right now, the industry is undergoing some serious shifts.

If you’re responsible for maintaining roads, parking lots, or commercial pavement in Colorado, here’s something you can’t afford to ignore petroleum-based asphalt prices that are rising fast, and they’re not slowing down.

Let’s break down why, what that means for you, and how to stay ahead of it.

⛽ Why Petroleum Prices Are Climbing

Asphalt relies on bitumen, a sticky, petroleum-derived binder. When crude oil prices spike, bitumen prices follow, and that trickles down to every square foot of pavement poured or repaired.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), crude oil prices have jumped significantly in 2025 due to OPEC+ supply limitations, increased summer demand, and ongoing geopolitical tension in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. As of May 2025, Brent crude has been hovering between $90–$100 per barrel, up from the mid-$70s range last year.

📊 Source: EIA Short-Term Energy Outlook, June 2025

This volatility hits hardest in industries like ours, where raw material costs account for a large share of the final price. Asphalt mix suppliers are already raising prices in anticipation of a more expensive summer season.

🧾 What It Means for Colorado Property Owners

You may not notice the impact overnight, but rest assured, asphalt services will get more expensive. Every repair, overlay, or resurfacing project will carry a higher cost as summer continues.

If you’ve been putting off repairs, hoping to stretch another season, now’s the time to act.

Why?

• Delaying means paying more later.

• Small cracks become big liabilities.

• Your budget could be eaten up by inflation instead of solutions.

In Colorado’s unique climate, with its freeze-thaw cycles, UV exposure, and heavy foot/vehicle traffic, preventative maintenance is key. Waiting could double or triple future repair costs.

💡 Smart Alternatives That Still Deliver

Can’t commit to full paving? No problem. We offer strategic options to help extend your pavement’s life without breaking the bank:

🟨 Infrared Asphalt RepairIdeal for potholes and surface failures. This process reuses existing asphalt with heat and adds fresh mix for a seamless repair, quick, affordable, and traffic-ready in hours.

🟨 Sealcoating & Crack SealingPrevent water and UV from breaking down your surface. A well-timed sealcoat can add 3–5 years of life to your pavement.

🟨 Overlay Instead of Full-Depth RemovalA structural and aesthetic facelift without the heavy excavation.

🟨 Material SubstitutesIn some low-traffic or staging areas, recycled asphalt or millings may be a viable alternative.

📣 Don’t Wait - Let’s Make a Plan

Our team has been paving Colorado since 1997. We’ve weathered oil spikes, material shortages, 2008 recession, harsh winters, and we know how to help you stretch your maintenance dollars wisely.

🔍 Let us assess your pavement now - before prices rise again.

📞 Call us at 303-364-7569💬 Chat live with a team member📨 Or upload your project details through our contact form for a free expert estimate.

At Colorado Asphalt Works, Inc., we don’t sell fear, we provide facts, options, and long-term solutions. Let’s protect your investment and beat the rising tide of costs, together.