Transport strike ups cement prices in Mumbai

Retail cement prices in the city have moved up by Rs 5 to Rs 163 - Rs 165 per 50 kg bag in the last couple of days, on account of the transport strike. Prices are expected to touch the Rs 170 per 50 kg bag mark in the next few days.

A leading cement dealer in Mumbai told Business Standard, "Prices have increased by Rs 5 in the retail segment. A sound demand in the last few days has also helped prices to remain firm.

Retail price of the 50 kg bag in Pune is at Rs 150, while in Nagpur, prices are in the region of Rs 137 - Rs 140 per 50 kg bag. Cement analysts said, "Prices in Pune are very good this year as demand has been stable. In areas where there have been light showers, prices have remained firm." The current price hike will sustain, making way for a further increase in the next few days, they added.

Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, retail cement prices were slightly down at Rs 140 per 50 kg bag, while Andhra Pradesh continued to be depressed at Rs 127 for the 50 kg bag. However, the eastern market still commands the highest price in the country at Rs 175 per 50 kg bag.