The consolidation in the Indian industry has begun to pay off for cement makers. Cement prices across the country have touched historic highs and are expected to rise further. In North India, for instance, for the first time ever, prices have crossed Rs 200 per bag against Rs 140-Rs 150 a year ago. Cement makers blame it on the rise in input prices (coal, fuel and freight charges). But the fact is that two groups (Aditya Birla Group and ACC/Holcim) now own a sizeable slice of the country’s cement capacity, enabling a better price understanding say locals.