Cement prices in Pakistan recorded a marginal increase over the past week, reflecting steady demand and rising cost pressures in the construction sector. According to official data, both northern and southern regions witnessed slight price upticks, indicating a continued upward trend in building material costs nationwide.
Data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) shows that in the week ending January 22, the average retail price of a cement bag in northern cities rose to Rs 1,381, marking a 0.44% increase from the previous week’s Rs 1,375.
In southern cities, the average price climbed marginally to Rs 1,449, up 0.07% compared to Rs 1,448 recorded earlier.
During the same period, cement prices varied across major cities. Islamabad recorded an average price of Rs 1,377, while Rawalpindi stood at Rs 1,370. Lahore saw comparatively higher prices at Rs 1,447, with Faisalabad and Gujranwala both averaging Rs 1,400 per bag. In southern regions, Karachi recorded Rs 1,389, Hyderabad Rs 1,435, and Sukkur remained the most expensive at Rs 1,530 per bag.
Industry experts note that cement prices have remained under pressure due to higher fuel costs, increased transportation expenses, and seasonal construction activity. While the recent increase is modest, it signals ongoing cost adjustments by manufacturers amid inflationary trends and energy price volatility.
A market analyst commented, “Even small weekly increases indicate that cement prices are stabilizing at higher levels, which could impact construction costs if the trend continues.”
With infrastructure projects, private construction, and real estate activity gradually picking up, prices are expected to remain firm in the coming weeks unless fuel and logistics costs ease significantly.