The price of cement has gone up by INR100 per bag (USD1.61) over the last six months in Tamil Nadu, according to the Tiruchi branch of the Builders’ Association of India.

The construction industry has been adversely affected and the Builders’ Association of India is now exploring the possibility of importing cement, claimed Mr Thirusangu, chairman of the association in Tiruchi.

Furthermore, the rising price is not linked to the increase in cost of any cement manufacturing inputs. “The increase in the price is perplexing as there is no increase in the price of raw material used for manufacture of cement,” argued Mr. Sidharthan, past chairman of the Builders’ Association of India in Tiruchi.