Cement tags in west, north to rise Rs 5

Retail cement prices in the western and northern regions are expected to rise by Rs 5 per 50 kg bag from mid-January

Industry sources said that prices have started firming up on the back of a sustained demand rise in these regions.

While retail prices in Mumbai are set to witness a rise by Rs 5 to Rs 170- Rs 172 per 50 kg bag, prices in Pune and Nagpur are likely to increase to around Rs 145 for the 50 kg bag.

A leading cement dealer told Business Standard, "Demand in Gujarat and Maharashtra has picked up since last month, which has led to this price hike."

Prices in the non-trade segment are, however, expected to remain stable at Rs 155 in Mumbai and nearby areas.

Cement sctor analysts said, "After this round of price increase sustains in the retail segment, which is likely to happen, the wholesale sector could also see a similar hike."

In Delhi, retail cement prices are around Rs 150 per 50 kg bag, which are also looking at a price hike by Rs 5 price.

Meanwhile, retail cement prices in Gujarat and Rajasthan are expected to touch Rs 140, once the price in Mumbai is sustained.

Prices in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka are hovering around Rs 150 - Rs 155 and Rs 160 per 50 kg bag. Analysts said, "Demand in these areas has been a litlle sluggish therefore prices have not moved here for a while."