High prices and supply shortages prompt British Aggregates Association investigation

A leading trade body has commissioned an investigation into the UK cement market. The British Aggregates Association initiated the investigation following complaints about material shortages, high prices and a perceived lack of competition between suppliers.

Cartel Damages Claims will carry out the investigation. The company is currently seeking over 200 million Euros compensation for 29 German companies, following a successful state prosecution involving the cement industry.

BAA director Robert Durward said: 鈥淔or some time now we have been getting reports of independent companies experiencing difficulty in getting competitive prices for cement.鈥�

Durward said both ready-mix and pre-cast sectors have been hit by high prices and supply side difficulties, 鈥淭his raises a number of competition issues and we have therefore brought in CDC to investigate the matter further.鈥�

Durward commented that these convictions represent a turning point. He said that it was significant that the delivered price of cement in Germany 鈥渋s now less than half of that being paid by independents in the UK.鈥�

The BAA is asking for anyone with relevant experiences to contact them directly.

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