Various cement companies have increased prices in the northern market by Rs 10-15 per 50 kg bag. However, there has been a drop in prices of cement bags in the southern market.
According to trade sources, the hike in prices was the result of increase in input costs, as coal, pet coke and freight are the major production inputs used by cement companies and their prices have risen as compared to last year.
An official from a leading cement company in the southern part of India, has informed that prices slipped in Kerala and Tamil Nadu due to weak demand.
In Delhi, a cement bag is priced at around Rs 290 to Rs 320.
A price hike has been adopted by almost all cement companies, the major ones being, Jaiprakash Associates, Shree Cement and Birla Corporation.