Hike in cement price causes concern

From A Reporter 
SHILLONG, July 23: The sudden hike of cement prices produced in the State form Rs 280 per bag to Rs 400 has affected the people of the State. However, when compared with cement exported outside the state the price is relatively low.
In this connection, a few cement traders in the city told The Sentinel that the prices of cement had increased a couple of months back by cement factories, many of which are located in Jaintia Hills.  They cited the reason for hike in price of cement because of the hike in prices of limestone and transportation cost.
Tarachand Jasrasaria, a cement trader, informed that the prices of cement had been increased by the cement factories a few months back. Thus, the price of cement in Meghalaya is almost the same compared to that of Assam.
As per information received, Star Cement, Dalmia and Topcem price of cement is Rs. 400 per bag, Taj cement and Amrit cement Rs. 360, Max cement Rs. 390 while Best Cement Rs. 380.
Jasrasaria further expressed that he did not support the increase of cement prices which are being produced from within the state as the cement producing factories avails plenty of benefits from the state government.
“We can’t say anything on this matter as the prices have been increased by the factories in Jaintia Hills, but as far as my knowledge the prices of cement in Meghalaya and Assam are not very different,” the trader said.
He added, that cement prices when compared with others states is not as expensive as is the case in Meghalaya.
“We don’t know why the cement factories are increasing the price of cement and the reason for the hike in price of cement is only known by the factories,” he said.
Earlier, the State BJP has accused the Congress government in the state of joining hands with the cement factories to increase cement prices to avail funds for the upcoming 2018 assembly elections.