The government has instructed cement and iron rod manufacturers to display the factory gate price (FGP) on their products amid concerns over possible price manipulation.
In a public notice issued on Wednesday, the Department of Commerce, Supplies, and Consumer Protection directed manufacturers to clearly list the FGP on their goods. Dealers and retailers have also been asked to prominently display the maximum retail price (MRP) to ensure transparency in pricing.
The decision follows growing complaints of price hikes, particularly in cement and iron rods. Manufacturers and traders have been accused of forming cartels, leading to unusually high prices.
Over the past month, cement prices have surged by approximately Rs 150 per sack, while the price of iron rods has increased from Rs 76 to Rs 90 per kg. Construction entrepreneurs have voiced concerns that these price hikes are further straining an industry already affected by the economic slowdown.
Last week, the Department also instructed manufacturers and importers of all goods to ensure proper labeling, including MRP, manufacturer names, batch numbers, and expiry dates. Additionally, firms must include standardization marks and relevant symbols on applicable products.
