DTI to monitor cement prices daily over reports of price increases

The Department of Industry will intensify its monitoring of cement prices to address reports of price hikes.

 

"Our monitoring teams in all provinces and regions have been notified to conduct daily monitoring activities over the next two weeks on prices of cement bags," Victorio Mario Dimagiba, officer-in-charge of the DTI Consumer Protection Group said Thursday.

Dimagiba said there has been no advice from cement makers on planned price increases.

Cement firms are required to inform the DTI of price hikes.

 

"Meanwhile, the prevailing price range of cement bags in the National Capital Region remains at P215 to P220 (per bag)," Dimagiba said, adding there is enough cement in Luzon to keep prices steady.

 

The DTI Direct hotline at 751.3330 or 0917.8343330 is ready to receive complaints on cement prices.

 

The Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines said 19.445 million metric tons of cement was sold in 2013, up 6 percent from 18.356 million MT sold the year previous.

 

The increase in sales was attributed to strong construction activity, a trend that the association expects to continue in 2014 because of a larger Public Works budget and the private sector's confidence in the government. — JDS, GMA News