New Delhi, Nov. 2 -- Cement makers are banking on price increases to offset rising fuel costs, as higher energy expenses eat into margins amid steady demand and higher sales.

After keeping prices mostly unchanged during most of the quarter, companies began raising cement prices in September, nudging them even higher in October. The hikes are expected to boost December quarter realizations-net revenue from cement sales-helping manufacturers ease cost inflation pressure on profitability.

The pressure comes as the turbulence in West Asia keeps the energy markets volatile. With coal and petcoke accounting for a significant share of production costs, cement makers have limited room to absorb a sustained increase in fuel prices without compro...