Imported cement will cost nothing less than Rs 210 per bag in Mumbai . Aided by production cut by the leading manufacturers , cement prices have shot up by Rs 35 to RS 55 per 50 kg bag across the major markets , to around Rs 160 - 190 per bag . Cement firms , however , admit that following the import duty cut , it will be difficult to increase prices . Although he duty reduction is not significant , there could be a psy - chological impact . With total duty aggregating 61.5 per cent , cement imports have been almost negligible .
Imports mainly comprise special cements like white cement and oil well cement .
Hardly any ordinary cement is imported . Cement companies are bullish that the higher interest deduction on housing loans , from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh , will give a fillip to the housing sector , thus driving up the demand for cement , Besides , the focus on the National Highway Development Programme is also likely to boost cement demand. Big players have cut production to boost prices . The players have been seeking lower duties on non - cooking coal . Page 2 of 11 Oher news this month I. Cement firms unfazed by duty cut , may control supplies.