India is the second largest cement producer in the world and accounts for over 7 per cent of global installed capacity, Indian Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) reports.
Further, the demand for cement is expected to reach 419.92 MT per annum (MTPA) by FY 27 with expected expansion of sectors like housing, commercial construction, and industrial construction. While India’s rich quality and quantity of limestone deposits promise huge potential for the future of the cement industry – the sector had been grappling with challenges in improving efficiency and reducing negative environmental fallouts. A major contributor to the construction and infrastructure industry, cement manufacturers are today ramping their production capacities to respond to expanding demand in the former that is poised to grow at a CAGR of 10 per cent by 2027. To swiftly meet demands while cautious of efficiency in production processes, cement manufacturers are today maintaining the performance of their equipment through the use of superior lubrication solutions that are reliable and technologically ahead. Manufacturers in the sector are duly collaborating with industry experts to choose the most precise products and services that can guarantee equipment performance and longevity. Mobil™ Lubricants, with its continuous focus on ensuring customer satisfaction, has been partnering with top cement manufacturers to address their day-to-day challenges and ensure continuous performance. The company’s association with JK Cement is an instance of such industry engagement.
Overcoming performance challenges JK Cement Ltd. is one of India’s leading manufacturers of gray cement and one of the leading manufacturers of white cement globally. The company’s manufacturing plant at Jharli, Jhajjar, in Haryana, was using a ThyssenKrupp Ball Mill for its core operations, which had a 2600 KW motor with average production capacity of 180 T/hour. For this concentrator ball mill, the company was using a conventional VG 320 oil which was providing about 92 to 93 per cent efficiency of the gearbox and oil drain interval (ODI) of 1 year. This was proving unproductive and leading to a loss of 420 liters of oil annually. Additionally, this excessive wastage was detrimental to the environment and also curtailed productivity. Soon, JK Cement contacted Mobil to seek support in enhancing the performance of its concentrator ball mill and reducing its energy consumption.
After thoroughly studying the problem and conducting a range of tests, Mobil recommended the use Mobil SHCTM 632 to lubricate the concentrator ball mill. With this switch, JK Cement was successful in reducing its energy consumption and curtailing overhead maintenance costs. The use of Mobil SHC 632 resulted in 0.8 per cent energy efficiency and cost saving of USD 18,764 (INR 13,13,545). This further led to 168 hours of exposure reduction and conserved 263 liters of oil – a leap towards greater efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
Premium lubricants to the rescue Pioneering lubrication innovation for over 150 years, Mobil’s range of premium synthetic lubricants under the Mobil SHCTM 600 Series are exceptional performance gear and bearing oils designed to provide outstanding service in terms of equipment protection, oil life and problem-free operations that enable increased customer productivity. These products are resistant to mechanical shear, even in heavily loaded gear and high shear bearing applications, so that there is virtually no loss of viscosity. These are especially advantageous for industries dealing with rough and difficult temperatures and raw materials. They also provide excellent resistance to oxidation and deposit formation at elevated temperatures, as well as exceptional resistance to rusting and corrosion, anti-wear, demulsibility, foam control and air release properties, and multi-metal compatibility. These oils maintain good compatibility with seals and other materials used in equipment that are otherwise normally lubricated with mineral oils. A robust backbone to India’s construction and infrastructure industry, the cement sector is today witnessing a positive growth spiral. To ensure that the sector remains efficient, it is imperative that manufacturers opt for the most superior lubrication solutions that not only guarantee equipment health but also guarantee greater energy efficiency. Here, Mobil has emerged as a trusted partner driven by innovation that can support India’s robust cement sector – a key contributor to the country’s economic growth story.
Centrum, a financial services firm, has reported that cement prices are likely to remain largely unchanged in July as weak demand during the monsoon season constrains pricing power. The report noted that construction activity remained subdued in the first quarter of fiscal year 2027 owing to labour shortages and slower execution of government projects. While June showed some volume recovery driven by delayed monsoons and quarter end sales, dealers are cautious about sustaining any price increases.
The analysis suggested that seasonal slowdown related to monsoon will prolong demand and pricing challenges through the second quarter. Dealers saw most recent attempts at price hikes as protective measures rather than genuine shifts in market fundamentals. They signalled that pockets of demand in select regions could prompt isolated adjustments but that broad based increases were unlikely while construction activity remained weak. Market participants therefore expected a cautious stance on pricing.
The report highlighted that despite intermittent recovery in shipments during June, the underlying demand trajectory remained muted as monsoon hampered site level activity and logistics. Commercial builders and retail dealers both reported constrained order books and slower payment cycles, which in turn reduced room for margin expansion among manufacturers. Analysts noted that unless government project execution accelerates markedly, demand improvement would be gradual. Price setters were thus likely to focus on protecting market shares rather than pursuing aggressive increases.
Market watchers said the near term outlook would be shaped by monsoon progress and fiscal spending patterns, with any acceleration in public works offering the most tangible support. Traders expected that regional variations would persist and that trade flows between surplus and deficit centres would determine local price movements. The report concluded that stakeholders should prepare for a period of subdued pricing until demand signals strengthen.
A report by Centrum said cement prices are expected to remain largely flat in July as the monsoon and weak demand weigh on the sector. The report said demand during the first quarter of FY27 remained range-bound and below expectations, with dealers across markets pointing to subdued construction activity, labour shortages, elections, heatwaves and slower execution of government projects as key reasons. It noted that some recovery was witnessed in June due to delayed onset of the monsoon and quarter-end volume push.\n\nDealers across most markets do not expect any meaningful price increases in July, the report said, adding that attempts to raise prices in some markets are aimed at defending existing levels rather than achieving significant gains. The sharp correction following the rollback of April hikes has largely played out across most regions, limiting scope for further immediate increases. Seasonal slowdown in construction activity during the monsoon is expected to continue affecting demand and pricing in the coming months.\n\nCentrum indicated that pricing pressure is likely to persist through the second quarter of FY27 as monsoon-related softness continues. Dealers remain cautious about sustainability of any price rise attempts and do not rule out further weakness during the peak monsoon period. The combination of subdued demand and seasonal factors is likely to constrain the industry’s ability to raise prices in the near term. While June saw some improvement in volumes because of delayed rains and quarter-end sales efforts, the broader demand environment remains challenging.\n\nCement companies are therefore expected to focus on maintaining current price levels rather than pursuing aggressive increases as the sector navigates weak demand and seasonal headwinds. The report suggested that unless demand conditions improve significantly, limited scope will exist for meaningful price recovery. Market participants remain watchful for any shifts in execution of infrastructure projects or construction activity that could alter the outlook.
Transformers and Rectifiers (India) Limited has received Notifications of Awards from Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) for multiple contracts to manufacture transformers and undertake associated works. The company submitted the disclosure to BSE and the National Stock Exchange under Regulation 30 of the SEBI Listing Regulations. The submission cited security code 532928 and trading symbol TARIL, and the filings cite the award reference and confirm execution in accordance with the terms and conditions stipulated in the notifications.
The contracts are described as an Ultra Mega Order under the company classification, indicating a value at or above Rs 10 billion (bn) on conversion. The filing identifies the contracts as domestic orders and specifies a scheduled delivery period of 30 months. The scope covers manufacturing of transformers of various ratings together with all associated work. The order size places it in the highest project classification defined in the company’s disclosure.
The disclosure states that the promoter group and group companies have no interest in the awarding entity and that the contracts do not constitute related party transactions. The company noted that the awards will be executed in the normal course of business and not fall within related party transactions. The document reiterates that the company is committed to delivering high quality products and services and has established itself as a leading manufacturer of transformers in the country over time.
Chief Financial Officer Mehul Shah authorised the filing and requested the exchanges to take the information on record, with the company providing the requisite filing reference in its submission. The company indicated that the orders will be executed as per the notifications of awards and the applicable regulatory framework. The original filing is available on the stock exchange portal at the provided link.