In the early days of March 2026, cement prices across Pakistan have sustained their upward momentum, reflecting a robust construction sector and healthy industry performance. Currently, the price for a standard 50-kilogram bag ranges between PKR 1,340 and PKR 1,450, varying the region and quality grade. This steady pricing trend coincides with the cement industry’s remarkable output in February, where dispatch volumes reached unprecedented levels, supported by a surge in both domestic consumption and international exports.
Breaking down the regional pricing landscape as of March 3, 2026, the northern areas, including Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, see prices fluctuating between PKR 1,375 and PKR 1,450 per 50kg bag. The southern provinces of Sindh and Balochistan report slightly higher rates, ranging from PKR 1,367 to PKR 1,500. In urban centers, Islamabad’s prices hover between PKR 1,357 and PKR 1,400, while Rawalpindi’s rates are marginally higher, falling between PKR 1,361 and PKR 1,400. Lahore, a major construction hub, commands prices from PKR 1,400 up to PKR 1,550, reflecting strong demand.
Other key cities also exhibit notable price points: Gujranwala stands at PKR 1,420, Faisalabad ranges from PKR 1,370 to PKR 1,380, and Multan’s prices vary between PKR 1,335 and PKR 1,416. Peshawar’s market shows a wider band, from PKR 1,350 to PKR 1,520, while Karachi, the country’s largest port city, sees prices between PKR 1,350 and PKR 1,500. Hyderabad and Quetta report prices of PKR 1,427 and PKR 1,500 to PKR 1,510 respectively, with Sukkur also aligning with the higher end at PKR 1,500. It is important to highlight that white cement remains a premium product, with 40kg bags retailing between PKR 2,050 and PKR 2,350 depending on the manufacturer and regional availability.
The cement sector’s performance in February 2026 was nothing short of exceptional. Total dispatches soared to 4.199 million tons, marking a significant 12.53 percent increase compared to the 3.732 million tons dispatched in February 2025. This growth was driven by a combination of rising local demand and a remarkable upswing in exports. Domestic dispatches accounted for 3.467 million tons, an 8.35 percent rise year-over-year, while exports surged by an impressive 37.72 percent, reaching 732,333 tons.
Analyzing the production centers, mills located in the northern region dispatched a total of 2.856 million tons, reflecting a 7.66 percent increase. Meanwhile, southern mills, benefiting from their proximity to seaports, achieved a substantial 24.50 percent growth, dispatching 1.34 million tons. The export segment, in particular, has become a vital growth engine for the industry, with southern mills capitalizing on logistical advantages to boost overseas shipments by nearly 52 percent compared to the previous year.
Looking at the broader fiscal year 2025-2026, spanning from July 2025 to February 2026, the cement industry has maintained a steady upward trajectory. Total dispatches during this period reached 34.798 million tons, an 10.86 percent increase over the same timeframe last year. Domestic dispatches rose by 11.93 percent to 28.503 million tons, while exports grew by 6.27 percent, totaling 6.295 million tons. Northern mills have shown particularly strong domestic sales, with dispatches climbing 13.15 percent to 23.745 million tons. Southern mills have also contributed significantly to export growth, with shipments increasing by 13.89 percent to 5.491 million tons.
This sustained expansion reflects an overall improvement in construction activity nationwide, fueled by ongoing infrastructure projects and a more stable macroeconomic environment. Government initiatives aimed at boosting development and urbanization appear to be positively impacting cement demand, supporting the industry’s growth momentum.
Examining regional market dynamics reveals distinct pricing trends influenced by local factors. Northern regions have experienced a slight easing in cement prices over the past year, with average retail prices declining by approximately 6.7 percent year-over-year to PKR 1,381 per bag during the first half of the current fiscal year. This softening can be attributed to heightened competition among manufacturers and comparatively weaker demand relative to southern markets.
In contrast, southern regions have witnessed a price increase of about 4.1 percent year-over-year, with average prices climbing to PKR 1,444 per bag. This divergence is driven by stronger export demand, more effective cost recovery strategies, and the strategic advantage of port access, which facilitates international shipments. Although the price gap between northern and southern markets has narrowed somewhat, southern regions continue to command a premium ranging from PKR 30 to PKR 60 per bag, depending on location and brand positioning.
Overall, the cement industry in Pakistan is navigating a period of growth and transformation, marked by rising prices, record dispatch volumes, and expanding export opportunities. These trends underscore the sector’s critical role in supporting the country’s infrastructure development and economic progress as it moves further into 2026.
