The price of cement in Gujarat is likely to increase by INR6-8 within the month due to input cost pressures. Prices have already risen in the range of INR10-12 per bag at the beginning of March after restructuring of duties on cement in the 2011-12 Union Budget.

Prices in the Ahmedabad market are around INR260-265 for a 50kg bag now for retail and around INR240-245 a bag in the wholesale market. "Prices in Gujarat and also adjoining Rajasthan (Jaipur) are at a three year high now", said an Ahmedabad based stockist and dealer of a leading cement brand.