The increase in the price of cement and its effect on the businesses of the sector of concrete producers and also on that of construction, was the main topic of discussion in the meeting of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kosovo as well as member businesses with the Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Commerce, Rozeta Hajdari.

According to the press release, the serial increase in the price of cement by +17.81 cents (including VAT) that came into force on 08.08.2022, or 58.27 percent within this year, is the third increase in the price of cement in the year 2022.

"This is the reason that caused the representatives of the sector of concrete producers to react within the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Chamber of Commerce estimated that this is the third price increase in a row within this year, which represents an increase of 58.27% compared to the beginning of this year, therefore it requested the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade to take immediate measures to overcome this created situation, so that there are no negative consequences for businesses and the local economy", says the press release.

According to business representatives, frequent price increases with warnings in very short periods of time, and the lack of substantive justification for these increases, are causing many challenges in the operation of businesses in the sector of concrete producers as well as in fulfilling the contracts that these the last have with clients and associates.

"Also, this is affecting large losses that are being caused to these businesses, and as a result, it also affects the departure of workers.

From the notices received by businesses for price changes by the Sharr-Cem company, it is considered that the factor is the increase in the price of electricity, which is also considered by concrete producers as an insufficient and unacceptable argument for an increase so big".

"Minister Hajdari thanked for the meeting and expressed readiness to handle the case.

He also emphasized that this meeting was more than necessary in order to get more concrete information about this problem that businesses are facing, adding that he will deal with it and make an effort to help this sector".

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