According to industry sources, cement producers in the north region of Pakistan have increased the discount on cement prices effective 2 October 2017 by PKR10-15/bag to PKR480-495/bag (US$4.55-4.69). As a result, cement prices in the North are down 11-12 per cent from the high of PKR540-560/bag seen in Jul-August 2017.

However, prices in the southern region remain unchanged. Current price range of PKR570-605/bag reflects a premium of approximately PKR100/bag compared with the North (PKR40/bag after the adjustment for freight charges).

It is believed that the price discount could prove to be temporary and that prices will recover in near-term as demand picks up from October 2017.