A shift to gross calorific value method by Coal India for pricing its coal is seen pushing up cement prices. Cement producer Birla Corp’s production costs have risen by INR 8 to INR 10 per 50 kg bag.

Mr PK Chand CFO said that this may prompt Birla Corp and other cement makers to hike prices, as the increase can be passed on to consumers during January to June when the demand is high.

He said that “Input prices have risen so much that cement producers are already contemplating taking a increase of about INR 5 to INR 10 a bag.”

(Sourced from DNA)