India: Assam cement companies bring down prices

Following an initial reluctance, cement companies in Assam, India, have started to lower cement prices, according to reports in The Telegraph. 

Cement producers including TopCem Cement, Star Cement and Dalmia Cement announced a price reduction of INR25-35/bag in the Indian state.

There had been protests by organisations like the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) after the companies recently decided to hike price by around INR20-40/bag. The rise in cement prices was seen as detrimental to construction sector growth and affect the overall economy.

“Cement is an essential commodity. Cutting down the prices of such an essential commodity is very necessary,” said Chandra Mohan Patowary, industry minister.