A Cement Manufacturing Company has increased the cement price, by an average of 20 percent in order to sustain business operations and provide quality cement.

In a statement issued to Money FM News, Lafarge Zambia Corporate Affairs and Communications Manager Sarah Banda said the decision to increase the price came as a result of the current increase in the prices of fuel and electricity.

“Energy is a key expense for the company, in both production and distribution of our products.”

Ms. Banda said the increase in fuel and electricity will lead to a 98 percent increase in the company’s electricity and fuel costs.

She said the Cement manufacturing plant has been working closely with the country’s power utility firm on load management.

“The company has had a loss in efficiency resulting in an increase in cost of production.” She said.

Ms. Banda said with increased load management, the company has not been able to produce at full Capacity.