Qatar freezes construction materials cost

The Government of Qatar has announced that it is to freeze the prices of four basic construction materials for three years, reports Qatari daily The Peninsula.

The announcement came at a press conference by the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani, in Doha on Monday (9 June).

Sheikh Hamad was quoted as saying, "There will be a freeze in current prices for four construction materials, including sand, steel, cement and gabbro, which will not be increased for a period of three years."

The Prime Minister said a decision to this effect would be issued soon and the government would absorb any surcharge. This should stop any price rises effecting contractors, the newspaper said.

Sheikh Hamad also added that the subsidised price diesel will be extended for another year.