Narayan Karwa of Shree Narayan & Company and Karwa Commercial Pvt Ltd has been a cement dealer since 36 years. His family is in cement trade since the past 55 years. The company stocks cement of CCI, Kesoram, JK Lakshmi, UltraTech, Vasavadatta and Birla White in Mumbai. They are also C&F agents for Shree and Bangur cement at Delhi. When asked about the volatility in cement prices, he said, "It does affect, especially at the time of fall in prices. Moreover, buyers slow down their purchases expecting further fall." About his expectation from the cement manufacturers, Karwa replied that they should not behave like traders, increasing rates two-three times in a month. He added that they should not supply directly (without involving stockist) on credit. The company stocks only white cement. "It is costly to stock grey cement. Moreover grey cement is available at rail heads and terminals of some companies," said Karwa. About the incentives provided by the manufactures, Karva said that commission is paid on order procured, small incentive by way of credit note/tours. However, according to him, the manufacturers should pay higher commission and should not deduct on delayed payments as operational cost in Mumbai is high. As far as the demand is concerned, in Mumbai, ordinary portland cement is in demand. "Blended cement sets slowly, but after 28 days its strength is more than ordinary portland cement if proper water querring is done," Karwa pointed out. "Ordinary portland cement manufactured by Indian companies are better than that of other countries," he added. About the delivery system, he said,"Delivery is done by manufacturers directly in majority of cases. Increase in diesel price forces the cement companies to increase rates," said Karwa. According to him, the packing quality of cement is good. "But due to poor handling at rail yard on account of heavy arrival with shortage of labour there is loss of cement which can be prevented," he suggested. Octroi is a hurdle for the dealers and distributors. "In the past, many a times there were talks of removing octroi but nothing happened. For getting N Form cleared at Mumbai octroi posts, delivery gets delayed," lamented Karwa. About taxes, Karwa said, "Government has become partner in our profit by way of VAT at the rate of 12.5 per cent on every rupee earned which has to be paid in time irrespective of payment being received from clients whereas in case of service tax, the same is to be paid on receipt of the commission."