Chhattisgarh MP criticises sudden cement price hike

09 Sep 2024 CW Team

Senior BJP leader and newly elected MP Brijmohan Agrawal has strongly condemned the recent surge in cement prices in Chhattisgarh, urging immediate intervention from both state and central authorities. Agrawal warned that the abrupt price increase would negatively affect critical infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, schools, and housing under the Prime Minister's Aawas Yojana (PMAY).

In letters addressed to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and the Competition Commission of India, Agrawal alleged that a cartel of cement companies was behind the price hike. Cement prices have risen by Rs 50 per sack since September 3, impacting local projects despite Chhattisgarh's wealth of mineral resources, including iron, coal, and energy.

Agrawal emphasised that the state's cement industry benefits from low labour costs and abundant resources, yet has chosen to impose a financial burden on the public. The price of cement has jumped from Rs 260 to Rs 310 per bag in a day, with costs for government projects rising from Rs 210 to Rs 260 per bag.

He called for government action to reverse the price increase, warning that it could disrupt public works and inflate costs, potentially harming both state and national interests.

(ET)

Infrastructure Urban

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