Pakistan: The Federal Excise Duty (FED) on cement is likely to be rise by US$1/t in the upcoming budget for the 2014 - 2015 Pakistan financial year. Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) officials said that the government had reduced the FED on cement from US$7.6/t to US$5/t in the 2011 – 2012 financial year and from US$5/t to US$4/t in the 2012 – 2013 financial year.
According to local press the government promised local cement producers that the FED would be gradually reduced and phased out. However, FBR sources spoken to by the Nation reported that the FED was likely to be increased by US$1/t to US$5/t to make up for a shortfall in tax revenue. However no final decision has been made so far.
If the FED does increase during the next budget then the cost of cement is likely to rise for consumers.
