Costly construction: Bricks up ₹2, cement hike looms in Himachal Pradesh

Shimla (The Uttam Hindu): The effects of the ongoing war in West Asia are now being felt in Himachal Pradesh. The price of bricks has risen by ₹2 per brick, which will increase the cost of building houses, hotels, and other buildings. Local brick production in the state is already limited, making it increasingly dependent on supplies from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.

The price of coal used in brick kilns has risen sharply. This coal is primarily imported from the United States, Indonesia, and South Africa. Previously, its price ranged between 10,000 and 13,000 rupees per ton, but has now risen to nearly 30,000 rupees per ton. This increase has directly impacted the price of bricks

Due to the war, companies have raised coal prices. The price has now reached 30,000 rupees per ton. GST is separate. Brick kilns use coal imported from the United States. Previously, coal from Australia was imported, but that has now stopped. - Hemant Kapila, Chima Bricks Brick Industry, Ropar (Punjab)

Cement may also become more expensive in Himachal Pradesh. With the start of the new financial year 2026-27, a significant increase in cement prices is expected across the country. Cement rates may increase by up to 40 rupees per bag from the first week of April. Currently, the price of ordinary cement is between 40 rupees per bag. After the potential price hike by companies, new cement rates are expected to reach 480 rupees per bag. Experts believe that major cement companies may take this step to balance their production costs.