Cement prices have been reduced in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. This report comes in the wake of cement companies agreeing to reduce prices following government directions for the last few months.The three cement companies operational in the State, ACC, Ambuja and Jaypee have agreed to curtail prices of a 50 kg bag by Rs 25 with immediate effect. The decision to reduce the prices was announced by representatives of the cement companies following a meeting with State Chief Minister PK Dhumal.All deputy commissioners have also been directed by the state governments to ensure that the price list of the revised cement rates is displayed by all retail dealers with immediate effect.Prices of cement in the state were at least Rs 25 higher than the neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana.