Cement prices increased across Pakistan in the week ending October 8, with the average cost of a 50-kilogram bag rising in both northern and southern regions, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

In northern Pakistan, the average retail price climbed 1.66 percent to Rs. 1,613 per bag compared with the previous week.

Southern Pakistan also recorded an increase, with the average price rising 1.32 percent to Rs. 1,568 from Rs. 1,547 per bag.

Among major cities, Gujranwala recorded an average price of Rs. 1,650 per bag, while Sialkot stood at Rs. 1,647 and Lahore at Rs. 1,630. Islamabad averaged Rs. 1,611 per bag, compared with Rs. 1,552 in Rawalpindi.

Cement prices reached Rs. 1,653 per bag in Multan and Rs. 1,638 in Sargodha. The average rate was Rs. 1,610 in Faisalabad, Rs. 1,599 in Bahawalpur, Rs. 1,600 in Peshawar and Rs. 1,550 in Bannu.

In southern cities, Karachi had the lowest reported average among the listed locations at Rs. 1,476 per bag. Prices averaged Rs. 1,548 in Hyderabad, Rs. 1,650 in Sukkur and Rs. 1,523 in Larkana.

The average price stood at Rs. 1,560 per bag in Quetta and Rs. 1,650 in Khuzdar, according to PBS data.

The latest increase adds to building expenses for households and developers planning construction projects across the country.