Chhattisgarh politicians fume as cement prices rise again

Raipur - Politicians cutting across party lines in one of the country's leading cement producing states, Chhattisgarh, Saturday slammed cement companies for raising prices through cartelisation.

Ruling BJP leader Devjibhai Patel and former chief minister Ajit Jogi, who belongs to Congress, made strong statements against the latest rise in cement prices effected by the manufactures Friday night and termed it "unacceptable."

The per bag cement price in the state was Rs.190 in September last year, which has now gone up to Rs. 250.

"The cement companies have been consistently raising prices for the past six months though there has been no rise in raw materials and labour cost. The most unfortunate thing is that cement manufacturers have formed a cartel to raise prices," Jogi said in a statement. He advised the state’s BJP regime to take strong action against companies as Chhattisgarh is one of India's leading cement producing states.

BJP legislator Patel, who led an economic blockade against cement companies last month in Raipur district, said: "A strong public movement is needed to be launched now against cement companies in the state as they (companies) are playing up with consumers' patience."