Africa-Press – Mozambique. Cement prices in Maputo and Matola are on the rise again, after a five-month slowdown resulting from the entry into operation of a new cement plant in Maputo province.
Shortly after the inauguration of the Dugongo Moçambique Cimentos factory at the end of May this year, the price of cement on the national market dropped, but it was just “a flash in the pan”. Since October 25, the price has risen again, this time by 50 meticais, explained Camomila Macuvele, operations manager at one Maputo city dealer.
“The cement at the plant has increased by 50 meticais. Cement rated 42.5 at the Moçambique Dugogo Cimentos factory costs 298 meticais and here we sell to our customer at 340 meticais. We but cement with a classification of 32.5 from the Dugongo plant at 283 meticais, and we resell to customers at 325 meticais,” Macuvele explained.
At one retail outlet in the Magoanine B neighbourhood [CMC] in Maputo, a woman who did not want to be identified said she was surprised by the new prices. The 42.5 Limak brand cement cost 290 meticais before the 25th of October, but was now 350 meticais.
At the outlet, 32.5 cement previously cost 275 meticais but was now 325 meticais. “I came prepared to buy at the old price but the dealer told me that there was an increase in the price,” she said.
Cement produced by Empresa Cimentos de Moçambique had also risen 50 meticais.
Foreman José Cossa still hasn’t finished his own dwelling, although he builds houses for others, and says the new prices will make proceeding with the venture more difficult.
‘O País’ contacted the main cement producers in Maputo province for clarification regarding the latest price hike, but did not receive explanations in time for this Monday’s edition.
By
Amandio Borges
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