Although it was expected to do so, the cabinet did not take a decision on a possible increase in the price of cement last Friday. With the rise in CIF and the dollar rate, cement suppliers say they can no longer afford to continue business. This is why they have asked for a 20% price rise on the local market. However, with the delay in the government’s decision, the country may face a shortage of this commodity in the coming days. Available stocks will last only for the next five weeks.

The cement companies Holcim and Lafarge are waiting for the authorities’ decision before ordering a new stock. Meanwhile, the demand for cement is high and constantly rising and the country could well face a shortage very soon. If the government agrees to their request and increases the price of cement, the 50kg bag will rise from Rs 158.34 to Rs 180. The cabinet could also choose to subsidise the commodity if it does not want to increase the price on the market…
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