Date:17/09/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/09/17/stories/2004091701541900.htm

Back Cement prices rise in TN

Our Bureau

Chennai , Sept. 16

THE wholesale cement price in Tamil Nadu rose this week after a falling trend over the last two months.

The price of a 50 kg cement bag across brands is between Rs 160 and Rs 175. The price last week was between Rs 150 and Rs 160.

Around two months ago cement prices ruled at about Rs 160 for a 50 kg bag. Subsequently, the prices began to weaken following the industry's attempt to increase the volume of sales, said industry sources.

The seesaw price trend has come in the backdrop of a significant fall in cement demand in the first quarter (April-June) of 2004-05.

Cement consumption in Tamil Nadu was about 2 million tonnes (2.29 million tonnes) in first quarter of the year, down by 13 per cent in relation to the same period last year.