Kathmandu, December 12
An agreement on cement prices has been reached between cement manufacturers and construction entrepreneurs under the mediation of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies Minister Damodar Bhandari. The consensus follows complaints about price hikes allegedly caused by collusion among cement manufacturers, prompting construction entrepreneurs to threaten a boycott.
The Ministry and the Department of Commerce had taken an interest in the issue, leading to a discussion on Wednesday involving government representatives, cement manufacturers, and construction entrepreneurs. According to former president of the Nepal Cement Producers Association, Dhruba Thapa, the talks resulted in a resolution on pricing.
Ravi Singh, president of the Federation of Contractors’ Associations of Nepal, confirmed the agreement, stating, “Cement manufacturers have agreed to provide OPC cement at Rs 700 per bag and PPC cement at Rs 600 per bag in Kathmandu. Accordingly, the factory rates for OPC and PPC would be approximately Rs 560 and Rs 460, respectively.”
Thapa also affirmed the manufacturers’ willingness to supply cement at the agreed prices in Kathmandu. He acknowledged construction entrepreneurs’ claims that cement prices had risen by Rs 200, though he argued the increase was not as steep.
The discussion, facilitated by Minister Bhandari, was also attended by Commerce Secretary Govinda Karki and Director General of the Department of Commerce, Rajan Paudel.
