Guwahati, Sept. 4: Cement companies in Assam have finally started cutting prices, following the state's stern advisory, after their initial reluctance.

The companies like Topcem Cement, Star Cement and Dalmia Cement today published newspaper advertisements, announcing slashing of prices between Rs 25 and Rs 35 per bag in the state.

This comes in the wake of a meeting between industry minister Chandra Mohan Patowary with the representatives of the cement companies at Dispur on Friday.

Patowary said the advertisements were published after they were approved by the principal secretary of the industry department.

"Some cement companies have published newspaper advertisements, announcing price cuts today, while others will also do the same in the next couple of days as agreed in our meeting. We hope this will benefit the people," Patowary said. "Those companies who have hiked prices by Rs 30 will now reduce it by Rs 35," he added.

There had been protests by organisations like the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) after the companies recently decided to hike price by around Rs 20 to Rs 40 per bag. The rise in cement prices was seen as a move which would have "slowed" down the construction sector, thereby affecting the overall economy and prompting the government's intervention.

"Cement is an essential commodity. Cutting down the prices of such an essential commodity is very necessary," Patowary said.

On August 20, chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal had asked the cement companies to slash prices and when the companies did not act on his direction, Sonowal on August 30 asked the commissioner and secretary of food, civil supplies and consumer affairs department to file cases at the Competition Commission of India against the companies.

"If required, the cement companies can close down but the chief minister's order will have to be followed at any cost," Patowary said today.

"We will give the companies a few more days to reduce their prices as they have certain formalities like taking the decision to reduce prices at their board meetings," he added.