Inflation has made initiating construction projects in Pakistan increasingly challenging, particularly due to the daily increase in cement prices in Pakistan. Cement is an important ingredient in the construction of buildings, houses, roads, and more.
Cement Prices in Pakistan In 2023 – Overview
This blog has all the updated information regarding the prices of cement, and it will help you to understand and calculate your construction budget.
Types of Cement
In Pakistan, as in many other parts of the world, various types of cement are utilized for construction projects. The choice of cement type depends on the specific requirements of the project. Here are some of the most common types of cement that are utilized in Pakistan.
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Low Temperature Cement
This type of cement is formulated to cure and set at lower temperatures, making it suitable for cold-weather construction.
Quick Setting Cement
Quick-setting cement, as the name suggests, has a faster setting time compared to regular cement. It is useful for projects that are in the developing stage.
Rapid Hardening Cement
Rapid hardening cement is designed to achieve high early strength, making it ideal for projects where quick turnaround times are essential.
PPC Cement (Portland Pozzolana Cements)
PPC cement is durable and resistant to chemicals, making it suitable for various construction applications.
Sulfate Resistant Cement
This type of cement is resistant to sulfate attacks, making it a good choice for areas with high sulfate content in soil or water.
OPC Cement (Ordinary Portland Cement)
OPC cement is the most commonly adopted by the cement industry in Pakistan. It is versatile and suitable for a wide range of construction projects.
Blast Furnace Slag Cement
This cement contains blast furnace slag as a key ingredient, which enhances its durability and resistance to environmental factors.
High Alumina Cement
High alumina cement is applicable where high heat resistance and strength are required, such as in refractory materials.
Hydrographic Cement
Hydrographic cement is formulated for use in underwater construction projects. It can set and harden even when submerged in water.
Expandable Cement
Expandable cement expands slightly during the curing process, making it suitable for filling gaps and voids.
White Cement
White cement is applied in construction for aesthetic purposes. It has a bright white color and is often used in decorative applications and for achieving a clean, white finish.
Colored Cement
Colored cement is regular cement that is mixed with pigments to achieve specific colors, providing a decorative element in construction.
Difference between White and Black Cement
The primary difference between white and black cement lies in their purpose and properties.
Black Cement
Black cement is a standard cement utilized for filling larger spaces in construction. It is generally more affordable and serves structural purposes in projects.
White Cement
White cement is primarily a finishing cement used for filling smaller spaces in flooring and walls. It is stronger than black cement due to its aluminate and calcium content.
White cement, when set for a few hours, hardens into a durable surface, making it suitable for decorative and aesthetic applications. It often requires additional finishing tools to achieve a smooth and polished appearance.
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Factors Affecting the Cement Prices
Several factors influence cement prices in Pakistan, and it’s important to understand them:
Demand and Supply
The interplay between supply and demand significantly affects cement prices. When the demand for cement is high, and the supply is low, prices always rise. Conversely, when demand is low, and supply is high, prices always fall.
Production Cost
The cost of producing cement is another critical factor. If production costs are high, cement prices are likely to be high as well.
Transportation Cost
Transportation costs play a significant role in influencing cement prices. if the petrol price in Pakistan is high then it automatically causes high transportation costs which can lead to higher cement prices.
Cement Companies in Pakistan
The cement industry in Pakistan is a major contributor to the country’s economy with 24 cement plants in operation. It is one of the fastest-growing industries due to the rapid development of real estate and infrastructure projects. Here are some of the top-rated cement companies in Pakistan.
- Askari Cement Ltd.
- Attock Cement (Pakistan) Ltd.
- Bestway Cement Ltd.
- Cherat Cement Company Ltd.
- DG Khan Cement Company Ltd.
- Dandot Cement Company Ltd.
- Dewan Cement Ltd.
- Fauji Cement Company Ltd.
- Fecto Cement Ltd.
- Flying Cement Company Ltd.
- Gharibwal Cement Ltd.
- Javedan Corporation Ltd.
- Kohat Cement Ltd.
- Lucky Cement Ltd.
- Maple Leaf Cement Factory Ltd.
- PAKCEM Ltd.
- Pioneer Cement Ltd.
- Power Cement Ltd.
- Safe Mix Concrete Ltd.
- Thatta Cement Company Ltd.
- Zeal Pak Cement Factory Ltd.
Cement Price in Pakistan
Cement prices in Pakistan vary depending on several factors. As of October 2023, the average price of a 50kg bag of cement in Pakistan ranges from PKR 1100 to PKR 1150, depending on the city and the brand of cement. These prices have been steadily increasing due to rising demand and production costs.
Current Cement Prices
As of October 23, 2023, here are the current cement prices in Pakistan for some of the popular cement brands are as follows.
Impact of Cement Price on Real Estate in Pakistan
The effect on overall real estate projects is obvious, Cement is the basic material for property construction, and its rising prices have a significant impact on construction projects, including real estate. These price increases affect project deadlines, which can already span over several years.
To understand the impact of inflation on cement costs, consider that in October this year, production companies raised the price of cement bags by 25 PKR.
When cement is required on a large scale, these 25 PKR per bag quickly add up, leading to unexpected costs that construction projects had not accounted for. The estimated price hike from last year to this one is approximately a 35% increment, which is quite alarming.
Furthermore, it’s not just the cost of cement itself that’s concerning. The transportation services for cement have also increased their charges by 10-15 PKR per bag of cement.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the cement industry plays an important role in Pakistan’s economic development. Cement prices in Pakistan are subject to various factors, including demand and supply, production costs, and government policies.
As of March 2023, the average retail price of cement in Pakistan is around Rs. 610 per 50 kg bag, with prices varying by region. Government policies and regulations can significantly influence cement prices.
It’s important for construction and real estate professionals in Pakistan to stay informed about these factors and adapt to the evolving landscape of cement prices to ensure the success of their projects.
As cement remains a fundamental component of construction, its affordability and accessibility are necessary for the growth of the construction and real estate sectors in Pakistan.
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Reviewed By Mr.Rizwan Sajjad
