ConstructConnect Chief Economist Michael Guckes hosts a monthly video series in which he breaks down the key issues impacting the North American construction economy in under 3 minutes.
Energy prices are moving fast again, and construction costs may not be far behind.
In the May 2026 Construction Economy Brief, we break down how the latest oil and natural gas price shocks could ripple through construction material costs, why energy and materials tend to move together, and what past pricing cycles can tell us about where costs may go next.
In this video, you'll learn:
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How the Iran war is affecting global energy prices
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Why Brent crude, WTI, and natural gas matter for construction costs
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What history shows about the link between energy spikes and construction material inflation
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How tariffs since April 2025 may already be putting a floor under construction inflation
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Why construction material costs could climb 9% or more and what that could mean for bids, budgets, and margins in 2026
If you're planning work, pricing jobs, or trying to stay ahead of cost pressure, this brief gives you a clear, data-backed view of what to watch next.
Watch the May 2026 Construction Economy Brief
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At ConstructConnect, our software solutions provide the information construction professionals need to start every project on a solid foundation. For more than 100 years, our keen insights and market intelligence have empowered commercial firms, building product manufacturers, trade contractors, and architects to make data-driven decisions, streamline preconstruction workflows, and maximize their productivity. Our newest offerings—including our comprehensive, AI-assisted software—help our clients find, bid on, and win more projects.
ConstructConnect operates as a business unit of Roper Technologies (Nasdaq: ROP), a constituent of the Nasdaq 100, S&P 500, and Fortune 1000.
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