Cement and steel prices in 2026: what to pay after the GST cut

Cement and steel are the two biggest material costs in a house. Here's what they typically cost now, and what to check before you buy.

Cement: GST is now 18%

GST on cement fell from 28% to 18% on 22 September 2025, which should have brought the price of a bag down. A 50 kg bag typically costs ₹395–₹480 per bag across India today, including GST.

• Prices vary by brand, type (OPC 43, OPC 53 or PPC) and state — and with how much you buy.
• Dealers in the same city can differ, so ask two or three.
• Check the manufacturing date on the bag and prefer recent stock — older cement can lose strength.

TMT steel

Fe 500 TMT steel typically costs ₹56–₹74 per kg, including 18% GST. Steel prices move with the market, so they can change from month to month.

• Prices are often quoted per tonne — divide by 1,000 for the per-kg rate.
• Check the grade (Fe 500 or Fe 500D) and the brand stamped on the bars.
• Ask whether loading, transport and cutting are included.

Sand, aggregate and bricks

Sand typically costs ₹45–₹80 per cft, 20 mm aggregate ₹40–₹70 per cft and red bricks ₹6–₹12 per brick. These are local materials, so they vary most from place to place.