Cement prices recover after a year, increase by 5-6% on pre-poll projects

Cement prices have started recovering after a year, thanks to price hike in southern and western regions. Dealers and companies have said prices have gradually picked up from February in few markets, but across the country effectively it came into effect from March. Prices recovered by Rs 15-20 a bag to Rs 310-315 compared to what was prevailing till January this year.

Till the end of last year, cement companies were resorting to giving discounts to push sales. However, that approach is changing now. Average increase was around six per cent across the country, in south and west increase was