India: builders protest against high cement prices

In a statewide protest organised by the Builders’ Association of India, builders in Coimbatore voiced their opinions on a protest rally on Tuesday, demanding measures by the state government to bring down cement prices and calling for a regulatory cement authority to be formed at the national level.

Cement prices are INR330 (US$5.98)/bag now as against INR275/bag six months ago. Though the Tamil Nadu Cements Corporation was supplying cement at INR 260/bag even now, the cement companies had increased the prices, especially in Tamil Nadu. There was no steep hike in the cost inputs and hence there was no reason for the cement prices to go up.

The Construction Workers’ Association (AITUC) extended support to the protest by the builders. Its general secretary N Selvaraj has said in a release that prices of cement, steel, and sand have gone up in the state. This affected the contractors, workers and the public. The government should also take action on quarries in the district that violated norms, he added.