The Ministry of Industry and Commerce authorized a 5% in the per bag price of cement used for construction. The department placed a ceiling of RD$76 on the price of cement. The measure came as a surprise to many, in these days when supply and demand mechanisms are more effective in controlling costs. The 42.5 kilogram bag of Portland-type cement sells here for more than it does abroad. Many sectors said it would have been better to allow imports, which would have resulted in a drop in the price. Despite the government setting a price top, hardware stores continued to sell the cement for a higher price, indicating that they were purchasing it for more than the established value. Cement was selling for RD$78-RD$86 the bag over the weekend.
