KATHMANDU: Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, has announced that the government will conduct a study on the recent hike in cement prices.
Speaking at the meeting of the Federalism Enablement and National Concerns Committee in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Minister Bhandari revealed that a committee has been formed to assess the cement price increase, production challenges, and cost-related issues.
Bhandari explained that some cement industries had complained of selling cement at a loss, despite the price hike. He assured that the concerns of both consumers and industrialists would be thoroughly studied.
“If the government doesn’t address the issues facing the cement industry, which is a key self-reliant industry for the country, it risks collapse, similar to other industries,” he said.
While addressing the committee, Bhandari attributed the price hike to undeclared load shedding, a point which was met with objections from lawmakers.
However, the minister reaffirmed that it is the government’s responsibility to control price hikes and stated that the committee’s findings and recommendations would be respected.
Committee members expressed their concerns, calling the price increase unnatural and urging the state to take immediate action to regulate cement prices.
The discussions continue as both lawmakers and the government work towards a resolution.
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