In most parts of the country, cement prices in November saw corrections. Central, eastern and northern regions borne most of the brunt. Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh) surprisingly was an exception to the fall in price.
After the last monsoon season, cement prices are anticipated to improve. October saw a slight uptick in the prices across regions and the same was expected in November.
Bleak demand scenario in Kolkata led to a correction in prices by Rs 12 to Rs 350 per bag which was lower than the peak price of Rs 390 per bag. Prices in Delhi fell by 10 per cent to Rs 295 per bag due to poor demand failing the attempts of price increase by the dealers there.
Shortage of sand led to a slight decline in the cement prices (which stood at Rs 280 per bag) in Punjab. Western and Southern regions witnessed flat month on month cement prices with Hyderabad being an exception, where the prices increased by 12 per cent to Rs 300 per bag despite feeble demand.
Realisations were expected to improve in Southern and Western regions as well, however, cyclone Nilam impacted the demand situation and hence the flat price.