After the Union Budget, cement prices have increased sharply. The price, which was down during the last year due to prolonged monsoon and over-capacity, started to increase from New Year and accelerated after the Union Budget. The all-India average price has gone up a little over 10 per cent and set to hit Rs 300 for a 50-kg bag. The Mumbai market again took the lead in raising prices. Cement companies raised their prices, pushing the retail level to Rs 305 a bag. In Kolkata, the price is hovering around Rs 295; in the north it is at Rs 285. In the south, cement is available at an average price of Rs 285 – in Kochi at Rs 315, in Bengaluru at Rs 280 and in Hyderabad at Rs 265 a bag. Prices in the western region have been increasing on the back of heavy consumption by the infrastructure and real estate sectors. Before the Budget, cement prices were at an all-time high for Jaipur and Ahmedabad at Rs 255 and Rs 240, respectively, and after the Budget announcement they have reached Rs 280. Prices in the eastern parts of the country have increased from Rs 280 per bag to Rs 303 for wholesale buyers. Price for retail buyers is quoted at Rs 307-310 per bag.