Cement prices are hinted to be increased by next week. The price of a 50-kilogramme bag is expected to hit ¢68.00, from the current price of ¢59.00.
It is believed that, the increment is due to depreciation of the cedi over the months and the hike in taxes and levies at the port.
In March 2022, the price for cement increased by Gh10. Manufacturers stated that, a 50 kilogramme was about ¢59.00, that was based on an exchange rate of around Gh¢7.60 pesewas in June this year.
However, based on the fact that most of them had to import some of the raw materials at a dollar rate of more than Gh¢9.00 and the rising cost of operations, cement manufacturers have been left with no choice but to pass on some of the cost on the consumers.
Speaking to some cement consumers, this is what they had to say about the situation.
“The increment will affect every cement consumer. It will affect my business because we use cement always in producing these building blocks. A piece of block sold for Gh¢5 have to be sold at Gh¢6 and that will make my customers also reluctant to purchase my goods.”
“I used to buy 10bags of cement for my building, but because of the increment I can’t afford the 10 bags anymore. “
Story by Jaynel Selby Jones
