The upward trend in cement prices continued across Pakistan last week, with notable regional variations according to the latest figures released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

For the week ending April 17, 2025, northern Pakistan recorded an average cement price of Rs 1,425 per bag, representing a 0.95% increase from the previous week's rate of Rs 1,411. Meanwhile, southern regions bucked the trend with a marginal decrease of 0.20%, bringing prices down to Rs 1,384 from Rs 1,387.

The city-specific breakdown reveals Lahore commanding the highest cement prices nationwide at Rs 1,497 per bag. Bahawalpur follows closely at Rs 1,470, while Gujranwala and Sialkot both stand at Rs 1,440.

Other major northern cities showed varied pricing: Islamabad (Rs 1,387), Rawalpindi (Rs 1,379), Faisalabad (Rs 1,430), Sargodha (Rs 1,400), Multan (Rs 1,429), and both Peshawar and Bannu at Rs 1,400 per bag.

In southern Pakistan, Sukkur and Quetta registered the highest regional prices at Rs 1,450 per bag, followed by Larkana at Rs 1,416. Hyderabad and Khuzdar both recorded prices of Rs 1,337, while Karachi offered the most competitive rate nationwide at Rs 1,313 per bag.

Industry analysts attribute these regional disparities to varying transportation costs, local market dynamics, and operational expenses faced by cement manufacturers in different parts of the country.

The fluctuating cement prices continue to be a key indicator for Pakistan's construction and real estate sectors, with implications for ongoing infrastructure projects and residential construction activities across the country.

Market observers anticipate that these price trends will likely influence construction budgets and project timelines throughout the second quarter of 2025, particularly for government-led infrastructure initiatives and private sector developments.