Indian cement dealers association requests price control

The Kerala State Cement Dealers’ Welfare Association (KSCDWA) is expected to request that the government forms a regulatory committee with cement companies to moderate prices in the state.

Until last month cement was available for INR355-360/50kg bag (US$4.81-4.88/50kg bag). However, this has now increased to INR395-440/50kg bag. In other states, the price remains at around INR310-360/50kg bag, according to the Deccan Chronicle.

KSCDWA state secretary, Ellathodi Sirajudheen, commented that cement companies were trying to maximise profits by raising the prices and that they foresee a huge demand for cement in the coming months for the rebuilding of the state. The association plans to urge ministers to hold a meeting with companies to discuss the price hikes.