NIKESH PAREKH, Harjivandas Mohandas & Co (I) Pvt Ltd is an exclusive dealer of Ultratech Cement. When asked about his choice for Ultratech Cement, he replied "Ultratech Cement is the largest selling cement in India because of its production capacity and the efforts they put in for planning to meet future demand in a systematic way". "Volatility in price do affect us, when the price increases or decreases every alternate week, this creates misunderstanding between us and the client. But fortunately for the last three years the regular brands have maintained a price band of Rs 230-265", explained Parekh. The supply should be consistent and there should be better margins. These will help to increase the sales, feels Parekh. When asked about his expectations from Budget 2011-12, Parekh replied "there should not be any additional tax, as it will give the manufacturers a reason to increase prices". He feels some concession should be given to cement manufacturers, since they invest in infrastructure for movement of cement from plant to respective markets.To improve sales, there should be consistent supply from the manufacturer and a pro-customer attitude is very important to increase sale. Parekh explained that cement manufacturers are educating customers to use blended cement, explaining the benefits in the long run. Except in the western markets, blended cement is sold in larger volumes in other parts of the country. When asked about the demand for high grade cement, Parekh replied that high grade cements are normally used for RCC work, but now customers are using blended cement. High grade of cements are preferred mostly by RMC manufacturers. Parekh is not in favour of paper bag packing due to wastage of paper. Parekh is of the opinion that delays at octroi check post can be avoided if cement manufacturer can pay in advance to the municipality and amounts can be debited as and when the cement bags enter the city thus reducing the wait at the octroi post. Harjivandas Mohandas & Co supplies cement in Mumbai (BMC limits), and up to Tarapore/Boisar on western belt, Raigad, Thane, Bhivandi and Kalyan. "We also supply cement for our project and corporate customers in all parts of the country", said Parekh. Nikesh Parekh is the secretary of Cement Stockists & Dealers Association of Bombay.