Raipur. MP Brijmohan Agarwal has strongly objected to the recent increase in cement prices in Chhattisgarh. He has written a letter to the Union Finance Minister, Competition Commission of India, and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, demanding withdrawal of the increased prices of c
In the letter, the MP has mentioned that Chhattisgarh is rich in minerals, iron, coal, and energy resources, despite this, cement companies have suddenly increased the prices from 3 September 2024. He has alleged that cement companies have formed a cartel and increased the prices of cement by up to Rs 50 per bag, which is putting a direct financial burden on the people of the state.
The MP further mentioned in the letter that “The Chhattisgarh government needs to take strict action against the cement factories and provide relief to the general public by rolling back the price hike. Cement companies in the state have access to facilities like minerals, coal, energy, and cheap electricity, yet the increase in prices is a direct burden on the people of Chhattisgarh.”
It is also mentioned in the letter that the monthly production of cement in the state is about 30 lakh tonnes (8 crore bags). Before September 3, 2024, the price of cement was around Rs 260 per bag, which has suddenly increased to Rs 310 in a day. The cement available for government and public interest projects has also been increased from Rs 210 to Rs 260 per bag.
MP Agrawal, in his letter, expressed concern over the increase in the price of cement and also said that the price hike will also affect the ongoing infrastructure projects in Chhattisgarh, such as roads, buildings, bridges, canals, schools, colleges, and the PM Awas Yojana. This sudden increase will increase the cost of government projects and it will become difficult for the poor to build houses, which is not in the interest of the state and the country. The MP has requested the Union Finance Minister, Competition Commission of India, and Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai to take this situation seriously and issue instructions to the cement companies to immediately withdraw the price hike, so that the people of Chhattisgarh can get relief.
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