The construction materials price index increased 0.6% in May after declining 10.0% over the previous seven months. Small monthly gains or losses are expected for a few more months before a sustained price rise begins. Asphalt (at the refinery) increased 8.6%, diesel fuel 4.4% and concrete block 3.8%. The major Price declines in May were for nonferrous pipe and tube (-5.3%), builders hardware (-3.5%), gypsum products (-2.4%) and structural steel (-1.3%), says Reed Construction Data chief economist Jim Haughey.