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Cement prices set to increase as expenses surge for cement makers

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Power and fuel prices to rise by 10% in the April-June quarter

Cement prices are set to increase as costlier Asian thermal coal, and a higher gas price outlook in Europe is expected to surge expenses for cement manufacturers. Power and fuel prices are likely to rise by 10% in the April-June quarter because of a steep rise in coal and pet coke costs in March, UltraTech Cement Ltd told the media. UltraTech Cement Ltd told the media that price hikes would be passed on to consumers for profitability to enhance sequentially. In April, the pan-India cement maker indicated a price hike of Rs 30 a bag to make up for higher commodity prices. Cement makers tried a Rs 15 to Rs 20 a bag hike pan-India, led by sharper growths in the south and the east for April, as per the dealer checks by Kotak Institutional Equities. Only a portion of this would get absorbed, and more such increases could be attempted in the coming weeks. The prices rose 6% year-on-year on an all-India basis for the quarter ended March. For the quarter ended March, cost inflation, muted volume growth, and inadequate price hikes led to margin contraction. UltraTech said flat volumes and its power and fuel prices were higher than pan-India peers ACC Ltd and Ambuja Cements Ltd. However, its operating profit per tonne dropped the least. Mainly, the outperformance was driven by operating leverage benefits and more increased realisationโ€”or what it makes on every tonne of cementโ€”in the east. The margin of UltraTech is likely to contract given its inventory policy and also the recent sharp increase in global energy costs has yet to reflect in the power and fuel price of the company. Higher costs of pet coke and coal are reflected in the financials of the cement producers after a lag of 30-45 days. Margins contracted for ACC and Ambuja as their prices increased. As per the Motilal Oswal report, ACC estimates a 7% demand increase in 2022 compared with 11-13% seen by the industry in the last year. Ambuja Cements said that demand is expected to be driven by rejuvenation in real estate, promising 2022 crop outlook, India’s infrastructure push, and execution of production-linked incentives to encourage domestic demand.

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Also read:ย Cement industry witnesses surge of Rs 45-50 per bag in April

Concrete

JK Lakshmi Advances LC3 Cement Expansion

Company highlights commercial production and research partnerships

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The meeting reviewed progress in limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) technology and its commercial adoption in Indiaโ€™s cement sector, focusing on low-carbon alternatives to conventional binders. JK Lakshmi Cement noted that limestone calcined clay cement can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 40 per cent compared with conventional cement and said this reduction supports industry decarbonisation. The company highlighted that it was among the first two cement manufacturers in India to move LC3 into commercial production after the Bureau of Indian Standards approved the technology as a cement standard.

Vinita Singhania said the transition of LC3 from research to commercial production reflected collaboration between industry, academia and international institutions. Maya Tissafi acknowledged JK Lakshmi Cementโ€™s role in advancing LC3 adoption in India and its contribution in taking the technology from laboratory trials to commercial implementation. Both representatives underlined the growing relevance of sustainable construction materials as India expands infrastructure and urban development.

The meeting explored continued collaboration with Swiss research institutions such as EPFL, EMPA and ETH Zurich alongside Indian academic partners and development organisations. JK Lakshmi Cement has been associated with the LC3 initiative since 2014 and worked with EPFL, IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, Development Alternatives and Technology and Action for Rural Advancement. The company conducted one of the earliest industrial trials of LC3 and recently announced commercial production of Green Pro LC3 cement from its Jaykaypuram plant in Rajasthan.

India remains the worldโ€™s second-largest cement producer and expansion of infrastructure, urbanisation and housing demand continue to support long-term sector growth, increasing interest in low-carbon technologies. The company reported an annual turnover of more than Rupees (Rs) 60 bn and current cement capacity of about 18 million (mn) tonnes (t) per annum, with a target of reaching 30 million (mn) tonnes (t) by 2030. Apart from grey cement, the company also makes ready-mix concrete, gypsum plaster, wall putty, primers, adhesives and fly ash blocks, and both sides concluded on the need for continued collaboration to develop sustainable construction solutions.

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Concrete

Burnpur Cement Reports Standalone Net Loss Of Rs 207.4 Million

Standalone net loss of Rs 207.4 mn in March 2026 quarter

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Burnpur Cement reported a standalone net loss of Rs 207.4 million (Rs 207.4 million) for the quarter ended March 2026. The company said the loss reflects its financial performance for the period and will be reflected in its results filed with regulators. The announcement followed routine quarterly reporting by the listed cement manufacturer. Burnpur Cement is a cement manufacturer operating in India and serving construction markets, with operations spanning production, distribution and sales across the domestic construction sector.

The March 2026 quarter result marks a weakening in profitability for Burnpur Cement as market conditions in the sector remained challenging. The company attributed the outcome to operational and market factors, while outlining measures to manage costs and working capital. The reported standalone loss of Rs 207.4 million will be central to assessments by analysts and investors, which will be weighed alongside sector trends and company guidance. Management indicated continued focus on stabilising operations and optimising production efficiency.

No further numerical details were included in the initial summary, and consolidated figures were not disclosed in the brief notice, constraining immediate analysis of underlying drivers. The firm reiterated that it will provide comprehensive results and explanatory notes in its annual filing and investor communications. Analysts will assess the full disclosures when detailed financial statements become available. The timing of those detailed filings will determine how soon stakeholders can access full data.

Investors and stakeholders were advised to review the filings and the company’s releases for complete information, including cash flow and segmental performance, before drawing investment conclusions. The company’s operations and future guidance will determine recovery prospects in subsequent quarters. Regulatory disclosures and investor communications will guide market interpretation of the quarter and inform analyst forecasts. Burnpur Cement remains subject to the regulatory reporting process applicable to listed entities.

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Ramco Cements Campaign Wins Six Kyoorius Honours

Hard Worker campaign wins Grand Prix for Eco Plaster film

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The Ramco Cements Limitedโ€™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.ย 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 countryโ€™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.ย The Eco Plaster commercial, which highlighted the importance of water conservation through innovative construction solutions, emerged as the campaignโ€™s biggest winner, securing most of the honours.

The campaignโ€™s wins include:ย 
Grey Elephant (Grand Prix) – Eco Plasterย 
Blue Elephant โ€“ Best Film – Eco Plaster
Blue Elephant โ€“ Best Direction – Eco Plaster
Blue Elephant โ€“ Best Music – Eco Plaster
Baby Elephant โ€“ Best Direction -Tortoise & Hare
Baby Elephant โ€“ Best Use of Humour – Eco Plaster

Established in 2014, the Kyoorius Creative Awards recognise and celebrate creative excellence across Indiaโ€™s advertising, marketing and communications industries.ย Presented by Zee Entertainment Enterprises and powered by the USA-based The Clio Awards, the awards are regarded among the countryโ€™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 brandโ€™s connect with consumers, engineers, masons and trade communities alike.

Commenting on the achievement, A V Dharmakrishnan, CEO of Ramco Cements, said: โ€œWinning 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.โ€

Balaji K Moorthy, Executive Director – Marketing, Ramco Cements, added:ย โ€œThe 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.โ€

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