Monrovia, Liberia: Following reports of hike in the price of cement, some consumers have blamed dealers in Monrovia and its environs for allegedly creating artificial scarcity of the product.  Over the weekend, some consumers alleged that dealers were buying large quantity of cement to create artificial scarcity and price hike. Consumers alleged that cement dealers at Duala, Gardnesville, Paynesville and other locations were selling a 50kg bag of cement at US$7.00.  The Ministry of Commerce has meanwhile assigned a task force to work in collaboration with management of CEMENCO to screen and determine whether those buying the product have good intent or whether they are unscrupulous business people who want to buy huge quantity to create artificial scarcity.  A member of the Commerce Ministry task force said the company was still selling cement at US$6.00.