The cement rates per bag have been raised by Rs 2.5 to Rs 3 by the manufacturers, traders said Tuesday.

"The rates have gone up from Tuesday. The companies have raised the prices", a cement dealer in the twin-cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, confirmed.

Following this increase, the retail price of cement has shot up to minimum Rs 230 and maximum Rs 265 per bag, he added saying the hike is thanks to the raise in petroleum products’ prices.