State officials and companies aiding cement crisis - Minister

Irangika RANGE

Co-operatives and Internal Trade Minister Johnston Fernando said that he would not give into traders, government officials or companies who are trying to create an artificial cement shortage in the country.

He said that he will not allow price increases of cement even by one cent at this moment.

“We had uncovered proof of an attempt to increase cement prices, and that the prevailing cement shortage was artificially created for this reason,” he said.

That is why the ministry took measures to import 100,000 bags of cement through the National Co-operative Council (NCC) from Pakistan to address the cement shortage.

These stocks of cement are currently being supplied to the local market at concessionary rates and some private sector companies and government officials are working hand in glove by raising quality issues of the imported cement from Pakistan through the NCC.

“We will not allow conspirators to achieve their mean objectives and the cement stocks will be continuously imported by the NCC which had been engaged in cement import for a long time to provide relief to the people.

There is a sharp increase in demand for cement due to a boom in the construction industry. Therefore, some elements are trying to sabotage ongoing development by creating a cement shortage which has resulted in a price increase.

That is why the ministry intervened to import cement. He said raids have been intensified across the country to nab errant traders who sell cement above the maximum retail price of Rs.750 per bag and also concealing stocks.