New Delhi, Oct. 12 -- Cement manufacturers in India are likely to hike prices by Rs 10 to 15 per bag starting mid-October to counter persistent input cost pressures, even as volume offtake registers steady growth, according to a research report released by Emkay Research.

"Given the onset of a busy season, favorable demand supply scenario, and basis our channel checks, there is a high probability of a Rs10- 15/bag price hike from 12-Oct," the report stated.

Delayed plant expansion programs across the sector also caused clinker utilization rates to rise toward 79 per cent by the financial year 2028, balancing market fundamentals.

The report mentioned that companies executed rate adjustments of Rs 10 to 15 per bag earlier in the first qu...