The Monopoly Control Authority (MCA) is probing into the cement factories pricing mechanism to determine if any cartel is involved in the price escalation of cement.  It is suggested that the cement factories are attributing cement price hikes to the high cost of gas and coal.    In the last few days, a bag of cement is sold at Rs 275-290 (US$4.64-4.89), up around Rs 40-50.   A final decision on the probe would be taken after the appointment of the new chairman, as the former chairman retired on December 28.