The price of cement in India increased by 9-9.5 per cent during Apr-Jan 2004-2005 compared to Apr-Jan 2003-3004 due to higher demand that was driven by infrastructure and housing boom, coupled with a higher capacity utilisation across most operators. Cement price in the country ruled at Rs160-170 up to May 2004 and after a fall during the monsoons, picked up to reach Rs140-170, depending on the region.