Local and imported cement prices increased

• New retail price of a 50-kg bag of cement is Rs. 2,450

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama

The maximum retail price of a 50-kg bag of locally manufactured cement has been increased by Rs. 150 with immediate effect, cement manufacturers said.

They said the price was increased due to the imposition of the value-added tax (VAT) on January 1.

Accordingly, the new retail price of a 50-kg bag of cement is Rs. 2,450.

Meanwhile, National Construction Workers Union (NCWU) Secretary Supun Abeysekara told Daily Mirror that though only a three per cent VAT should be imposed on cement, the companies have imposed more than three per cent. According to them, the price of a product related to cement has increased by Rs. 10. Abeysekara also said that prices of construction materials will also be increased according to the VAT.
Meanwhile, a 50-kg bag of imported cement has been increased by Rs.250.