Concrete

Core sectors output remain negative

Published

5 years ago

July 1, 2021

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In December 2020, the eight core sectors output growth remained in a negative trajectory for the 10th successive month with a contraction of 1.3 per cent during the month compared with negative growth of 1.3 per cent during November 2020 and 3 per centin December 2019. There has been an upward revision in the core sector output growth in November from -2.6 per cent to -1.4 per cent.

Barring coal and electricity, all other components of the core index continue to show de-growth. The cumulative index of eight core sector during April ??December 2020 contracted by 10.1 per cent indicative of the adverse impact on industrial production during the lockdown period compared with the 0.6 per cent growth in the corresponding period of last year. Barring fertiliser, there was a broad based contraction across sectors during this period. Double digit decline in output during this period is recorded in natural gas, refinery, steel and cement.

Key highlights:

Coal production growth grew by 2.2 per cent in December 2020, which is the slowest in the last 5 months. Coal production has recorded positive growth which indicates revival in demand for power post easing in lockdown and resumption of industrial activities.
Crude Oil production has fallen by 3.6 per cent in December 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions/lockdown, nonavailability of drilling equipment and less than planned contribution from workover wells, drilling wells and old wells. The negative growth in crude oil production has sustained for nearly 3 years.
Natural gas production in the country fell by 7.1 per cent in December largely due to a fall in output of western offshore fields of private/JV companies. This is the 19th consecutive month of de-growth in natural gas production.
Refinery production has fallen by 2.7 per cent and fall in production has been narrowing with each passing month with the easing of restrictions and as the economy has been slowly reflating. There has also been an increase in refinery utilisation during December ??0 which is now 101 per cent and this can be ascribed to the increase in demand for petroleum products as there is an uptick in economic activities. The month of December 2020 saw growth in consumption of LPG 7.4 per cent, Petrol (MS) 9.3 per cent, Bitumen 20.9 per cent, Lubes & Greases 8.5 per cent, Light Diesel Oil (LDO) 87.4 per cent and products categorised under ??thers??8.4 per cent compared with December 19.
Fertilizer production has fallen by 2.9 per cent due to a high base effect and as the rabi sowing season almost comes to an end.
Output of steel sector has contracted for the second consecutive month by 2.7 per cent in December after registering three consecutive month of positive growth during Aug-October 2020. Low demand from automobile sector and high raw material costs and relatively muted construction activities in parts of the country must have weighed on the steel production.
Cement production fell to a 4-month low falling by 9.7 per cent in December 2020 compared with -7.3 per cent in November 2020 and 5.4 per cent in December 2019. The fall can be ascribed to muted construction activities.
Electricity production grew by 4.2 per cent in December 2020 compared with 3.5 per cent in November 2020 on account of further normalisation of economic activity.

CARE Ratings??View

Going ahead, the growth in the eight core sectors will be contingent upon the normalisation of economic activities and high base effect. The growth in industrial production is likely to be marginally positive but will be contingent on the growth in consumer durables segment.

Courtesy: CARE Ratings

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

The article is authored by Sushant Hede, Associate Economist with CARE Ratings. He can be contacted at: sushant.hede@careratings.com | +91-22-6837 4348.

Disclaimer: This report is prepared by CARE Ratings Limited. CARE Ratings has taken utmost care to ensure accuracy and objectivity while developing this report based on information available in public domain. However, neither the accuracy nor completeness of information contained in this report is guaranteed. CARE Ratings is not responsible for any errors or omissions in analysis / inferences / views or for results obtained from the use of information contained in this report and especially states that CARE Ratings has no financial liability whatsoever to the user of this report

Concrete

Ramco Cements Campaign Wins Six Kyoorius Honours

Hard Worker campaign wins Grand Prix for Eco Plaster film

Published

2 hours ago

May 29, 2026

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The Ramco Cements Limited’s Hard Worker campaign has achieved a major milestone at the prestigious Kyoorius Creative Awards, winning six honours including the coveted Grey Elephant Grand Prix for the Eco Plaster film. The awards were announced and presented at the Kyoorius Creative Awards Night 2026 held on 23rd May 2026 at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.

Competing alongside some of the country’s leading brands and agencies, the campaign received recognition across multiple creative categories, reaffirming the power of authentic storytelling rooted in the lives of hardworking people. The Eco Plaster commercial, which highlighted the importance of water conservation through innovative construction solutions, emerged as the campaign’s biggest winner, securing most of the honours.

The campaign’s wins include:
Grey Elephant (Grand Prix) – Eco Plaster
Blue Elephant – Best Film – Eco Plaster
Blue Elephant – Best Direction – Eco Plaster
Blue Elephant – Best Music – Eco Plaster
Baby Elephant – Best Direction -Tortoise & Hare
Baby Elephant – Best Use of Humour – Eco Plaster

Established in 2014, the Kyoorius Creative Awards recognise and celebrate creative excellence across India’s advertising, marketing and communications industries. Presented by Zee Entertainment Enterprises and powered by the USA-based The Clio Awards, the awards are regarded among the country’s most respected creative honours.

Known for their ethical and neutral judging process, the Kyoorius Creative Awards evaluate work purely on merit through a non-hierarchical awards structure, without Gold, Silver or Bronze distinctions. The iconic Elephant symbolises memorable work that leaves a lasting impact on the industry.

The Hard Worker campaign by The Ramco Cements Limited was conceived around the insight that true strength and progress are built through everyday hard work. Through emotionally resonant storytelling, distinctive craft and culturally rooted narratives, the campaign connected strongly with audiences across markets. The integrated campaign was rolled out across television, digital platforms, outdoor media and extensive on-ground activations, helping strengthen the brand’s connect with consumers, engineers, masons and trade communities alike.

Commenting on the achievement, A V Dharmakrishnan, CEO of Ramco Cements, said: “Winning at the Kyoorius Creative Awards is a proud moment for all of us. The Hard Worker campaign was created as a tribute to the spirit of hardworking people who form the backbone of our industry and our nation. These recognitions reaffirm our belief that authentic, meaningful storytelling has the power to create a deep and lasting connection with people.”

Balaji K Moorthy, Executive Director – Marketing, Ramco Cements, added: “The Hard Worker campaign was built on a simple but powerful insight – that hard work deserves recognition and respect. We wanted the communication to feel rooted, emotional and culturally relevant while also pushing creative boundaries. Winning six honours, including the Grey Elephant Grand Prix, is a tremendous validation of the idea, the craft and the collaborative effort of everyone involved in the campaign.”

Concrete

GP Petroleums Q4 PAT Rises 8%

Lubricant maker reports Rs 9.3 crore profit in Q4FY26

Published

2 hours ago

May 29, 2026

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GP Petroleums reported an 8 per cent rise in PAT to Rs 9.3 crore in Q4FY26, compared to Rs 8.6 crore in Q4FY25. Revenue from operations stood at Rs 163 crore, compared to Rs 183 crore in the corresponding quarter last year.

EBITDA for Q4FY26 increased to Rs 14.7 crore from Rs 13.2 crore in Q4FY25, while EBITDA margin improved to 9 per cent from 7 per cent. The company said its performance was supported by operational efficiencies, strong customer relationships and an expanding product portfolio.

For FY26, revenue from operations rose 5 per cent to Rs 643 crore, compared to Rs 610 crore in FY25. EBITDA stood at Rs 44.7 crore, against Rs 42 crore in the previous year. PAT was Rs 26.50 crore, marginally higher than Rs 26.30 crore in FY25.

The company said FY26 PAT was impacted by a wage provision of Rs 3.25 crore, representing about 12 per cent of PAT. GP Petroleums continues to see opportunities in industrial lubricants, process oils and premium automotive lubricants, though geopolitical developments and crude-linked raw material cost volatility may pose short-to-medium-term challenges.

Concrete

Ramky Infra Order Book Crosses Rs 13,000 Crore

New order wins support resilient FY2026 performance

Published

2 hours ago

May 29, 2026

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Ramky Infrastructure reported a resilient FY2026 performance, supported by disciplined execution, cost efficiency and fresh order wins. The company secured new orders worth Rs 4,500 crore during Q4, taking its total order book above Rs 13,000 crore as of 31 March 2026.

Consolidated PAT grew 40 per cent year-on-year to Rs 283 crore in FY2026, compared to Rs 202 crore in FY2025. Standalone PAT rose 28 per cent to Rs 332 crore, while consolidated revenue from operations stood at Rs 1,846 crore. Standalone revenue from operations was Rs 1,679 crore.

During the year, the company secured orders worth Rs 6,500 crore across water, wastewater and industrial infrastructure. Key wins included a Rs 3,000 crore industrial park project from Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation for a 1,000-hectare land parcel at Dighi Port Industrial Area, Maharashtra.

Ramky also secured a Rs 2,100 crore water and wastewater project from Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board for water transmission lines, and a Rs 1,400 crore EPC contract from Maharashtra Industrial Township Limited for the Dighi Port Industrial Area project.

The company generated Rs 160 crore through asset monetisation and Rs 165 crore through the stake sale of a stabilised asset, supporting equity requirements for new projects. The Board also recommended a final dividend of 10 per cent of the nominal value per share, subject to members’ approval.