Dispute over cement price hike to be resolved soon: Minister Bhandari

Kathmandu: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, has said the ministry had been studying the issues related to the hike in the price of cement to resolve the dispute. Contractors had filed complaints at the Public Accounts Committee, saying the price of cement had increased up to 75 per cent in recent periods which ultimately cost much on construction activities.

The Committee discussed with the Industry Ministry, Federation of Contractors’ Association of Nepal, and Nepal Cement Manufacturers’ Association on this matter on Wednesday.

On the occasion, Minister Bhandari said the ministry was aware of the cement price hike and held discussions with cement manufacturers, contractors and consumer rights activists on it. The ministry had already held formal discussions with stakeholders on the price hike and it would take appropriate decisions soon, he mentioned.

However, cement manufacturers had been arguing that the price of cement had increased due to load-shedding, increase in the price of coal and limestone and transportation costs.

There is no truth about the hike in the price of cement up to 75 per cent, they added. After the discussion, the Committee asked the Industry Ministry to carry out a study on the price hike of cement and present a report within seven days.

RSS