FCC holds talks with cement manufacturers who seek a price increase

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Fair Competition Commission (FCC) has begun talks with cement manufacturers to establish the reasons behind their intention to increase cement prices.

The move follows a public notice issued by the manufacturers announcing plans to raise the price of the product.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam, Acting FCC Director General Hadija Ngasongwa said the discussions aim to protect consumers’ interests and ensure fair competition continues in the market.

She noted that the cement sector is vital to the country’s development, especially at a time when the government is prioritizing the construction sector under the National Development Vision 2050 and President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to promote industrial growth.

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“We have met with the manufacturers to exchange views and gain a deeper understanding of the state of the cement sector in the country. It is true that there has been a notice of a price increase, but as the Fair Competition Commission, we have a duty to enforce the law, protect consumers, and ensure there is no violation of competition principles,” Ngasongwa said.

She added that the meeting is part of the FCC’s routine responsibilities of engaging stakeholders, providing guidance, and clarifying various competition procedures in the market.

The discussions involved 12 out of the 13 major cement manufacturers in the country.