Cement prices in Himachal Pradesh have increased for the second time this month, raising construction expenses for households, contractors and other consumers. Cement companies raised rates by Rs. 5 per bag on Friday, 10 days after a similar increase was implemented on September 15.

The two revisions have lifted prices by a total of Rs. 10 per bag within 10 days. Dealers Pawan, Rohit, Manoj and Rakesh said the latest rates were being applied across the market, adding to the financial pressure on people building or renovating homes.

ACC Suraksha cement is now priced at Rs. 425 per bag, compared with Rs. 415 previously. ACC Gold has risen to Rs. 475 from Rs. 465, while Bangur Cement costs Rs. 400 per bag, up from Rs. 390. UltraTech Cement is selling at around Rs. 405 per bag.

The increase is expected to affect construction budgets, particularly for larger projects requiring hundreds of bags. Consumers buying 50 bags will spend approximately Rs. 500 more than they would have 10 days ago, while the additional cost for 100 bags will be about Rs. 1,000.

Dealers said sales were continuing according to the revised rates issued by the cement companies. The new prices are now in effect across the Himachal Pradesh market, with consumers and contractors bearing the higher material costs amid ongoing inflation.