As of today, Wednesday, December 14, manufacturers of these construction materials have increased their prices by 30-40 pesos, depending on the brand. The price of a gray cement roof sheet now hovers around 500 pesos. This was reported by Arturo Espinal of the Dominican Hardware Association (Asodefe).
A 6% increase in the price of gray cement bags will apply to hardware stores starting today and will also be passed on to consumers. Espinal confirmed to Diario Libre: «The rumors circulating in the region since last week are true, and according to them, cement bags will be sold at a higher price.»
When asked if he had received information about price increases from suppliers, he replied that price hikes had been rumored among sellers and were revealed in the press due to vendors’ concerns. Jorge Montalvo stated six days ago: «This increase represents a rise of approximately 1.83% in the housing cost index, which will erase the downward trend of August and September and strengthen the upward trend in the daily market.»
In this regard, Asodefe pointed out that every December, cement companies raise prices due to plant maintenance costs and other reasons not explained to the public. «It is not reasonable to charge more than 30 pesos at this time,» they said.
Cement Market Conditions
Until yesterday, the selling price of cement bags fluctuated between 430 and 470 pesos, depending on the manufacturer’s brand and product quality. Now the price will range from 460 to 500 pesos.
Arturo mentioned that other cement inputs, such as concrete, might also reflect price increases. Therefore, the public, especially the construction industry, should begin estimating costs based on the hikes applied starting today. The industry faces high production costs and a decline in trade with Haiti, according to information shared by the Dominican Association of Cement Manufacturers (Adocem) a few months ago.
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