Cement costlier by Rs 40 in state

Tribune News Service

Dharamsala, May 18

The cement price has increased by about Rs 40 in the state. Enquiries by The Tribune revealed that a bag that was Rs 360 before the lockdown in March is now available at Rs 400.

The 10 per cent increase in the cement price by companies has hit those who are carrying constructions. Navneet Thakur, a government contractor, said the increase would hit all those who had contracts.

Sanjeev Kumar, who was constructing his hotel in Dharamsala, said the government was asking people to restart construction. However, it would further burden people who were already in distress.

The high price of cement has always been a political issue in Himachal.

Senior Congress leader and former minister GS Bali said the increase was illegal. Though cement was a decontrolled commodity, the government could not allow cartelisation by companies. The increase in the cement price is likely to enhance the cost of all government projects.