The control over price and distribution of cement has been removed since 1989. The industry was de-licensed in 1991 under the policy of economic liberalization. Cement has also been removed from the list of essential commodities. Thus, presently the prices of cement are governed by the market forces of demand and supply.

Prices of cement are collected under the clause of commercial secrecy and hence cannot be divulged. However, movements in Whole-sale Price Index (WPI) for cement under various ‘heads’ as per specifications are given. The data is as under:-

Types of Cement	Yearly Wholesale Price Index Base Year 2004-05 = 100
	2012-13	2011-12	2010-11
Cement & Lime	168.63	156.97	150.84
Grey Cement	168.76	157.02	150.87
White Cement	171.92	158.07	155.32
Slag Cement	166.42	157.48	151.03
Cement, Slate & Graphite Products	163.17	150.78	140.97
Other Cement Product	124.59	118.02	114.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Dr. E.M. SudarsanaNatchiappan in a written reply in the LokSabha today.

Market-based pricing now governs cement after deregulation and removal from essential commodities; WPI movements disclosed. Control over cement pricing and distribution was withdrawn in 1989, the industry was de-licensed in 1991 and cement removed from the list of essential commodities, so prices are governed by market forces; specific prices are treated as commercial secrecy and not disclosed, while published Wholesale Price Index movements by cement category show relative annual price changes.