The price of GI Pipes has increased by 20 per cent over the past four months."The rise in GI pipes' prices is due to an increase in steel prices," said Rakesh Neupane of Himal Hardware at Koteshwor.

A similar price hike has been witnessed for rough tiles compared to the smooth ones. The tiles now cost up to Rs 35-60 per sq ft, depending on the quality of tiles. However, the cost of rough tiles is about Rs 45-50 per sq ft.

"The demand for rough tiles is higher in the housing sector," said Amrit Bajracharya, proprietor of GS Hardware.

Rough tiles are safer as it prevents people from slipping over them. ITPF, Nepatop, Panchakanya pipes are more in de mand because of being less expensive.

"These pipes are very easy to fit, costs less, and also they are rust-resistant," said Bajracharya.

However, prices of plane glass have been constant while coloured glasses have seen a rise in their prices in view of an increased demand. "Since coloured glasses are attractive and restricts sunlight, they are used in apartments and commercial complexes," said Suraj Shrestha, Tribeni Glass Center.

There are a number of varieties in the glass market -plane glass, coloured glass, designer glass, water glass, em bossed glass. According to Shrestha, glasses of Bangladesh Company and AIS Company are preferred due to their durability. "In the summer season, these glasses are very useful as they keep the inner temperature cooler," said Shristi Pradhan, an interior designer at Om Interiors.

courtesy:The Himalayan Times