In a post to LinkedIn, the company said it has received numerous letters and notifications in recent weeks from suppliers and subcontractors advising of price increases and fuel-related surcharges. Advance admits it is facing the same pressures in its own operations.

Fuel is not an optional cost in construction, the firm wrote. It powers plant, HGVs and site vehicles, and is essential to moving aggregates, concrete, materials and equipment. “When the price of fuel rises, the impact doesn’t stop at the pump, it works its way through the entire construction supply chain,” it shared.

“Ultimately, somebody has to pay for it,” the company said, adding that contractors and suppliers can only absorb so much before the increases feed into the cost of delivering homes, roads, utilities, energy projects and major infrastructure.

The warning comes at a time when the industry is being asked to build more, deliver infrastructure faster and help drive economic growth, described by. Advance as something that “doesn’t add up”.

The company is currently gathering figures to understand what the latest increases mean for its own business and its supply chain. It intends to raise the issue with both the UK and Scottish Governments.

Advance has also invited contractors, suppliers, hauliers and others across construction to share their views and examples.

Industry professionals wishing to contribute can respond to Advance’s original post.