Cement prices set to hit the roof

Labourers unload bags of cement from lorry at a warehouse in Hyderabad. Mohammed Yousuf

Builders and project developers in the city and suburbs are going to be heard complaining more now.

The hike in diesel prices is set to take the cement prices further up and each bag could cost Rs.1.50 to Rs.7 more.

At present, a 50 kg cement bag from leading brands is available in the range of Rs.250 to Rs.260 while the local brands cost lesser by Rs.15 to Rs.20.

According to industry representatives, local manufacturers could be hiking the cement prices by Rs.1.50 to Rs.2.50 per bag. However, leading brands with larger presence across the country could increase the price by Rs.4 to Rs.7, given longer distance of transportation.

“The cement price hike also depends on the hike in the freight charges,” said a cement manufacturer.