Cement Rates in Pakistan increased after strike against new taxes

Construction in Pakistan has become more costlier as manufacturers jacked up price of cement bag after new taxes.

Besides the transport costs for raw materials for the manufacturers, the government imposed sales tax and withholding tax, which makes cement bag costlier by Rs200-250.

As of July 30, price of A-grade Cements are being sold at Rs1500, while price of other brands stands around Rs1400-1470.

Cement Price in Pakistan

Company	Price per Bag
BestWay Cement	Rs1,550-Rs1600
Lucky Cement	1,540 – 1,550
DG Khan Cement	1,550 – 1,510
Fauji Cement	1,450 – 1,560
Kohat Cement	1,450 – 1,525
Askari Cement	1,540 – 1,550
Cherat Cement	1,455 – 1,465
Maple Leaf Cement	1,500 – 1,510
Power Cement	1,450 – 1,460
Pioneer Cement	1,455 – 1,465

Cement dealers in Pakistan have gone an indefinite nationwide strike due to increased taxes and regulatory demands in the federal budget for 2024-25.

The budget raised withholding tax on cement to 2.5pc for non-filers and increased the Federal Excise Duty from Rs2 to Rs4 per kg. Dealers are concerned about the impact of these taxes and the need for Point of Sale (PoS) machines, which many lack the resources to implement.

All Pakistan Cement Dealers Association called for a presumptive tax regime to prevent business closures and job losses. Despite these challenges, cement exports from Pakistan saw big increase.