Cement makers condemn builders' strike over input cost hike issue

Accuse builders of spreading misinformation among the public in order to further increase real estate prices, which are already at unaffordable levels

South India Cement Manufacturers Association (SICMA) today condemned the proposed strike by Builders Association of India (BAI) on February 12 against rising input cost including cement.

SICMA said builders are spreading misinformation among the public and accused them of trying to take advantage of economic recovery and further increase real estate prices, which are already at unaffordable levels.

SICMA has written to the Prime Minister and Finance Minister to look into profiteering being done by builders.

The Association alleged that across markets, builders access cement at the rate of Rs 6,000 per tonne or below, which means cement accounts for only Rs 150