HP govt to ask cement companies to reduce prices: Virbhadra

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today informed the Assembly that the government will try to convince cement companies to reduce retail prices of cement in the state.
Replying to allegations of BJP members that cement companies located in HP were selling cement at higher prices in the state as compared to the prices in adjoining states, Singh said during Question Hour that the government is concerned over the issue.
"Cement is being manufactured in HP and it's still being sold at higher prices. It's a serious concern," he said adding that the government was trying to reduce the price of cement.

"A committee headed by the Industries minister is on the job," he informed.
The Chief Minister's intervention came when Food and Civil Supplies Minister G S Bali failed to convince the Opposition over prevailing high prices of cement in the state, even though the companies were manufacturing cement in HP.
The state has four mega cement plants-Barmana (ACC), Darlaghat (Ambuja), Rajban (CCI) and Bagha (Japypee Himachal Cement Ltd).
The aggregate capacity is 11 million tonnes a year, he added.