RAIPUR: Senior BJP leader and recently elected MP Brijmohan Agrawal has voiced strong objections over the recent and sudden hike in cement prices, calling for immediate intervention from state and Centre.
Agrawal said that the abrupt increase is expected to impact a range of infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, schools, and housing initiatives under the Prime Minister’s Aawas Yojana (PMAY).
In letters addressed to CM Vishnu Deo Sai, Union minister for finance and corporate affairs Nirmala Sitharaman, and competition commission of India, Agrawal alleged that there was a cartel formed by the cement companies in Chhattisgarh and the prices of cement has suddenly increased by Rs 50 per sack from Sep 3.
Demanding a rollback in the price, Agrawal said that it was a disturbing trend by the cement companies heading towards monopolistic practices, as the local cement price soars despite Chhattisgarh being a state rich mineral resources, including iron, coal, and energy.
“Cement companies in Chhattisgarh benefit from abundant resources and cheap labour, yet they have chosen to impose a heavy financial burden on the people by raising prices dramatically,” Agrawal stated.
The recent price hike has seen cement costs jump from approximately Rs 260 to Rs 310 per bag within a single day, the MP said, adding that cement for govt and public interest projects has risen from Rs 210 to Rs 260 per bag.
Agrawal pointed out that the price surge could disrupt ongoing projects and inflate costs for govt and public works including PMAY, which could have adverse effects on both state and national interests.
He urged the govt to take stringent action against the cement companies and provide relief to the public by reversing the price hike.