Retail prices of cement and steel products were expected to increase by the end of this year because of unexpected fluctuation on the domestic market.

Nguyen Tien Thoa, head of the Ministry of Finance’s Pricing Department, said the prices would increase because distribution was not adequately controlled and demand was increasing.

Besides, some enterprises did not abide by price stabilisation regulations so the prices would go up in the building season, which began this month, he said.