Cement Retail Prices Record Increase Across Pakistan

Karachi: Retail prices of cement across the country recorded an increase during the past week, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

The statistics show that during the week ending December 18, the average retail price of a cement bag in northern cities rose to Rs 1,402, reflecting an increase of 0.9 percent compared to the previous week, when the average price stood at Rs 1,389 per bag.

In southern cities, the average retail price was recorded at Rs 1,446 per bag, showing a marginal increase of 0.06 percent from Rs 1,445 in the preceding week.

City-wise data revealed that during the past week, the average retail price per cement bag was recorded at Rs 1,367 in Islamabad, Rs 1,361 in Rawalpindi, Rs 1,450 in Gujranwala, Rs 1,420 in Sialkot, Rs 1,488 in Lahore, Rs 1,390 in Faisalabad, Rs 1,397 in Sargodha, Rs 1,451 in Multan, Rs 1,440 in Bahawalpur, Rs 1,353 in Peshawar, and Rs 1,300 in Bannu.

Similarly, in southern regions, cement prices averaged Rs 1,378 in Karachi, Rs 1,428 in Hyderabad, Rs 1,530 in Sukkur, Rs 1,407 in Larkana, Rs 1,490 in Quetta, and Rs 1,443 in Khuzdar per bag.

The data indicates a gradual upward trend in cement prices across various cities, which could impact the construction sector as well as ordinary consumers.

Experts attribute fluctuations in construction material prices to market demand and supply dynamics, rising production costs, and transportation expenses. Consumers and contractors have been advised to plan projects in line with prevailing rates to avoid unnecessary increases in overall costs.