Rising cement prices affect affordable housing

Aurangabad, Feb 3:

For the third time since unlock, the cement companies have hiked cement prices by Rs 20-30 per bag. This has come as a set back for the middle class who were waiting for affordable homes. There is a demand that the government must control the rising price of cement.

Home is one of the basic necessities. Taking this into consideration, the central government has planned to provide a home to all by 2022. For this, the prices of cement and steel need to be kept under control. Despite the government giving concession for buying a house, the cost of construction materials is causing the price to go up. The price hike was announced in a meeting of the cement producers association held last month. Accordingly, cement is being sold at Rs 380 to Rs 395 per sack. Cement is subject to 28 per cent GST. If GST is reduced by 10 per cent to 18 per cent, GST of Rs 71 will be levied. Cement prices will fall by 10 per cent. Diesel prices have risen by Rs 16 per litre in the last 10 months. Therefore, the freight rate is being increased by Rs 15 per bag to Rs 75 to 80. This is also affecting the rise in cement prices. As a result, the budget of the builders who are building affordable houses has increased by 15 to 20 per cent informed Manoj Runwal, president, Aurangabad Cement Distributors Association.

Month Cement prices

April Rs 310

May Rs 330

June Rs 370

July Rs 370

August Rs 380

September Rs 400

October Rs 370

November Rs 395

December Rs 385

January (2021) Rs 375

February Rs 395