Pakistan producers raise cement prices

Cement prices in Pakistan have increased by PKR10/50kg bag from PKR525 (US$5.31) to PKR535. Cement companies, including DG Khan Cement, Lucky Cement and Falcon Cement have raised the price of a 50kg bag from PKR515.20 to PKR525.35.

In June 2013, a 50kg bag cost PKR450 but after the budget announcement it rose to PKR500 in July as the sales tax regime was changed.

Cement makers that are dependent on power from the national grid have attributed the rise to a hike in power rates by Nepra. The jump in power prices impacts around PKR90/t. Meanwhile, cement makers using natural gas to fuel their kilns have blamed the rise in the gas levy for their prices increases.