There is no hike likely in the price of books, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) said on Tuesday. "Certain speculative reports about price hike of NCERT books are likely to be exploited by some elements for hoarding and profiteering by creating an artificial shortage of books. No such increase is likely," NCERT Director Hrushikesh Senapati said in a statement. "All NCERT books are available at its portal for downloading free of cost," he added. The clarification by the NCERT comes amid reports that the council is planning to increase the price of its books which raised concerns among various quarters.