Local Egyptian cement companies commenced the year with price increases, ranging from LE5/t to LE15/t. National Cement reported the lowest ex-factory cement price pertaining to LE240/t, followed by Helwan Cement and Torah Cement, which are expected to sell at LE245/t in FY05. Meanwhile, other competitors namely, Assuit Cement and Suez Cement have reported higher selling prices reaching highs of LE270/t and LE255/t, respectively.