TCL Warns: Cement Prices Could Rise In Coming Weeks — As Hike In Natural Gas Prices Looms

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Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL) is advising customers that cement prices could rise in the coming weeks if a proposed increase in natural gas prices for manufacturers is approved. The company warns the adjustment would have a “material and unavoidable cost impact” on its operations.

Within the last five (5) years, cement prices have already seen several increases, including 15.6% in December 2021, 7% in August 2022, 5% in March 2023, 7.69% in February 2024, and most recently, 7% in February 2025.

In a notice to customers on Monday (26th January, 2026), TCL said it is awaiting a final determination on the gas price increase proposed by the National Gas Company (NGC), which is expected by Saturday (31st January, 2026). The company notes that natural gas is “a critical input in cement manufacturing” and that the proposed increase would significantly affect its production cost.

State-owned NGC recently announced a proposed 76% increase in the price of natural gas supplied to light industrial consumers, with rates set to rise by the end of January 2026. The adjustment would push prices from about US $3 to approximately US $5.30 per MMBtu for businesses that use natural gas directly in their production processes.

TCL said in its letter to customers: “TCL does not support the gas price increase and continues to actively engage with relevant stakeholders in pursuit of a more balanced outcome.” The company added, however, that “based on the official information communicated to date, the expected increase represents a material and unavoidable cost impact that requires a corresponding revision to our pricing.”

The company added that if the increase is confirmed, it “will be required to adjust its cement price shortly after” in order to ensure “the continuity and sustainability of our business.”

TCL also highlighted wider pressures on the manufacturing sector, saying it has experienced “significant increases in manufacturing costs, including raw materials, packaging, and general inflationary pressures,” which have already “materially impacted our production cost.”

In response to TCL’s letter, former Prime Minister and former Minister of Energy, Stuart R. Young, SC, MP, issued the following statement via Facebook on Tuesday (27th January, 2026):

This is an example of the UNC’s incompetence and the negative consequences of their continued imposition of hardship on Trinidad and Tobago’s citizens.

The price increases of natural gas (up to 70% increases) to our manufacturing sector is going to lead to increases in the price of goods to us, the citizens and consumers. Expect price increase with food prices as well.

The Kamla Persad Bissessar Government’s incompetence in the energy sector has far reaching consequences that are already hurting Trinidad and Tobago. We are experiencing a loss of jobs and FOREX, businesses shutting down in record numbers and higher prices to consumers.

Who is winning?


Read the entire letter from TCL to its customers below:

January 26, 2026

Dear Valued Customer,

Thank you for your continued partnership with TCL. We remain fully committed to delivering high-quality products and maintaining reliable supply to support your business and the wider construction sector.

Over recent months, TCL has experienced significant increases in manufacturing costs, including raw materials, packaging, and general inflationary pressures. These cost escalations have materially impacted our production cost.

In addition, a substantial increase in natural gas prices has been proposed by the National Gas Company to the manufacturing sector. Natural gas is a critical input in cement manufacturing, and we are currently awaiting the final determination, expected by January 31, 2026.

TCL does not support the gas price increase and continues to actively engage with relevant stakeholders in pursuit of a more balanced outcome. However, based on the official information communicated to date, the expected increase represents a material and unavoidable cost impact that requires a corresponding revision to our pricing.

If the proposed gas price increase is confirmed, TCL will be required to adjust its cement price increase shortly after to account for this significant effect to ensure the continuity and sustainability of our business.

TCL remains a major contributor to the national economy, providing stable employment, supporting local suppliers, and generating foreign exchange through exports. Maintaining operational viability is essential to sustaining these contributions and ensuring uninterrupted supply to the market.

We will work closely with you, our customer, to clearly communicate to end users the reasons for this adjustment and the broader market conditions affecting pricing.

We appreciate your continued cooperation and confidence in TCL as we address these external cost challenges decisively and responsibly.

Sincerely,

TRINIDAD CEMENT LIMITED

Gonzalo Rueda Castillo

General Manager


More on this as it becomes available. 

[Source: Trinidad Express]

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