A major blow for the construction industry as the price of cement has gone up.

Fiji Industries Limited confirmed that the retail price of cement has increased from $14.50 to $15.90 per bag as of last week.

Fiji Industries officials confirmed they informed the Commerce Commission two weeks ago that prices will be increased from the 16th of this month and the Commission approved the increase in the price of cement by 9%.

Fiji Industries is now selling cement at $255.64 per tonne to hardware shops.

The Commerce Commission is expected to review the price of cement in January next year.

Commission chairman Dr Mahendra Reddy is expected to give more details on the increase later.