The bumpy ride of higher gas prices is about to get a bit bumpier.

In multiple cities across the valley, potholes are going unfilled and it all boils down to asphalt, or the lack of it.

The Utah Department of Transportation is already delaying road projects because asphalt prices have skyrocketed and supply has dwindled. And now cities are being told by their suppliers that there is simply none available that hasn't already been guaranteed by contract.

Officials in Provo, Orem and Lehi are all concerned about possible impacts and say it will likely be months before any substantial amount of asphalt is available.

"I'm hearing it might be as late as October," said Scott Peppler, public service manager for Provo.

Band-Aid approach

Asphalt is literally the remains of oil production. But it's getting harder to come by as producers squeeze every drop out of a barrel of oil.

That leaves cities to fend for themselves for a while. Provo is turning to recycling.

Before they resurface certain roads, they scrape the top layer of asphalt and stockpile it. Those tailings are now being used for shoulder work and pothole filler.

"They compact pretty well and are pretty clean," Peppler said of the tiny chips. But "at some point in time we're going to have to replace it with asphalt."

Orem is refusing to allow any excavation along the city's right of way. From Orem.org:

"Due to the shortage of asphalt, permits will not be approved for any excavation that requires asphalt removal and replacement in the City of Orem right of way, unless the contractor provides a current letter from an asphalt supplier guaranteeing the required amount of asphalt to patch the work. Sorry for the inconvenience."

Long-term problem

Lehi officials mused Tuesday night about the long-term problems asphalt shortages could cause.

"What we pay $30,000 for this year could cost $200,000 next year," said City Administrator Jamie Davidson on Tuesday.

And while the current shortage may ease, Davidson said asphalt providers say to be ready for continued volatility and ask "that we be favorable to doing projects in concrete instead of asphalt."

Concrete is not oil-based but has been more expensive in the past, though it is more durable.

Provo's Peppler said in the short-term things shouldn't be too bad. The tailings will work fine for now, and potholes are more prevalent in the winter and spring when there's more water. But if shortages resurface then?

"The bad thing is, if we don't get asphalt in the springtime, it could be pretty miserable."

• Daily Herald reporter Caleb Warnock contributed to this report.