Concrete

Core sectors output remain negative

Published

3 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

True north seeks exit from shree digvijay cement

Published

3 days ago

October 8, 2024

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Private equity firm True North is reportedly exploring an exit from its investment in Shree Digvijay Cement. The firm is considering divesting its entire stake in the cement manufacturer and is in talks with several strategic investors and private equity players for the sale. True North has held its stake in Shree Digvijay Cement since acquiring a majority share in 2019. The exit is part of the firm’s strategy to unlock value after growing the company’s business. Potential buyers may view this as an opportunity to enter the rapidly growing cement sector, driven by India’s booming infrastructure and real estate markets. Shree Digvijay Cement, known for its steady operational performance, could attract considerable interest as the industry faces increased demand.

The sale process is expected to generate significant attention, especially from industry players looking to expand their market share or investors seeking strong returns. As the cement sector plays a vital role in India’s development, the transaction could also lead to consolidation in the industry, further enhancing the competitiveness of large players.

Concrete

JSW cement expands vijayanagar plant capacity

Published

3 days ago

October 8, 2024

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JSW Cement has successfully increased production capacity at its Vijayanagar plant in Karnataka by 2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). With this addition, the plant’s total production capacity now stands at 6 MTPA. This expansion is a crucial part of JSW Cement’s broader strategy to increase its overall capacity to 25 MTPA by the financial year 2025, strengthening its presence in India’s growing cement market.

The Vijayanagar plant, located near JSW Steel’s facility, benefits from operational synergies, such as efficient raw material procurement and energy use. The expansion will enhance the supply of high-quality cement to meet the increasing demand in Karnataka and the surrounding regions. Additionally, this move aligns with JSW Cement’s focus on sustainability and innovation, as the company continues to adopt eco-friendly practices in cement production.

JSW Cement’s increased capacity is expected to support infrastructure projects in southern and western India, contributing to the country’s booming construction and real estate sectors. As India accelerates its development in urbanization, infrastructure, and housing, the demand for high-performance cement continues to rise, and JSW Cement is positioning itself to cater to this growing need.

This capacity addition at Vijayanagar also emphasizes the company’s commitment to strengthening its supply chain and ensuring timely product delivery while maintaining sustainable practices.

Concrete

Shree cement signs mou with dpiit

Published

3 days ago

October 8, 2024

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Shree Cement has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to support startups in India’s manufacturing sector. This collaboration is a strategic initiative aimed at fostering innovation, growth, and sustainable development within the industry. The MoU reflects Shree Cement’s commitment to driving forward the country’s manufacturing capabilities by providing guidance, financial support, and industry expertise to emerging startups.

The initiative aligns with the government’s “Make in India” vision, which encourages domestic manufacturing and aims to build a self-reliant economy. Through this partnership, startups will have access to Shree Cement’s vast industry experience, network, and resources, enabling them to scale their operations and develop innovative solutions. This move is expected to generate new job opportunities, enhance local production, and reduce dependency on imports, strengthening the nation’s industrial ecosystem.

Shree Cement will focus on key areas such as process improvement, technology adoption, and sustainable practices, encouraging startups to introduce eco-friendly and efficient manufacturing solutions. The partnership is also designed to facilitate the use of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in manufacturing operations, driving modernization across the sector.

This MoU marks a significant step toward encouraging innovation in the Indian manufacturing landscape, providing a boost to startups while enhancing industry capabilities. With Shree Cement’s support, aspiring entrepreneurs will gain the necessary tools to overcome challenges and contribute meaningfully to the sector’s growth.