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.
Dalmia Bharat will acquire the cement assets of JAL (Jaypee Associates Limited) for Rs 28.5 bn under an Adani led resolution plan, according to company sources. The transaction involves the purchase of manufacturing facilities and associated assets that form part of JAL’s cement operations, and it is framed as a strategic acquisition within a larger insolvency resolution overseen by an Adani group consortium. The move is presented as a consolidation play in a fragmented domestic cement market.
The company indicated that the acquisition will strengthen Dalmia Bharat’s geographic footprint and supply chain, enhancing its ability to serve regional demand and optimise logistics. The assets are expected to complement the purchaser’s existing capacity and provide additional clinker and grinding resources, allowing for potential efficiency gains through integration. Executives have described the deal as aligned with a broader strategy of targeted inorganic growth.
Financially, the headline consideration converts to roughly Rs 28.5 bn, reflecting the resolution price agreed under the plan. The purchase price and related terms are structured as part of the approved resolution framework and are subject to completion formalities. The parties expect customary regulatory clearances and creditor or adjudicatory confirmations to be completed before closing, with standard conditions precedent governing the transfer of assets.
Market observers noted that the deal illustrates ongoing consolidation in the sector, where larger groups are acquiring stressed or non core assets as part of resolution processes. Such transactions are seen as a mechanism to expedite recovery of value while enabling active players to expand capacity without developing greenfield projects. The combination of strategic fit and available asset bases is likely to influence competitive dynamics in specific regional markets.
Upon completion, Dalmia Bharat will integrate the acquired operations into its existing reporting and operational framework, with the intention of preserving operational continuity. Stakeholders will monitor execution on integration, regulatory approvals and the realisation of anticipated synergies as the parties move towards finalising the transfer of assets.
Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited (DCBL) executed a business transfer agreement on 21 May 2026 to acquire a cement undertaking from Jaiprakash Associates Limited (JAL) and Adani Infra (India) Limited. The assets include plants at Rewa in Madhya Pradesh and Churk, Chunar and Sadwa in Uttar Pradesh with five point two million tonnes per annum (mn tpa) cement capacity and three point three mn tpa clinker capacity, plus 99 megawatt (MW) thermal power and railway sidings. The transaction carries an enterprise value of Rs 28.5 billion (bn).
DCBL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dalmia Bharat Limited (DBL), will see cement capacity rise to 54.7 mn tpa on completion. Ongoing expansions at Belgaum, Pune and Kadapa are expected to raise capacity to 66.7 mn tpa by the second to third quarter of fiscal 2028. The company said the transaction would be consummated within two weeks.
The deal follows a framework signed in December 2022 to settle long running disputes with JAL, including a long term clinker supply arrangement. Completion was delayed when JAL entered insolvency and the earlier sale did not finalise. Following approval of a resolution plan under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, DCBL executed a fresh business transfer agreement to resolve pending legal and arbitral matters.
Company statements described the acquisition as strategic, accelerating access to central markets compared with a greenfield route and offering scope for expansion through debottlenecking and brownfield investment. Proximity to the company’s captive mines and established vendor relationships should support faster ramp up. The assets should augment EBITDA delivery and enhance returns by enabling entry into newer markets with relatively better prices.
Senior executives said the addition aligned with a long term plan to build a pan India presence and would provide a head start in central markets. They noted that familiarity with the plants under earlier tolling arrangements offers operational insight and strengthens channel relationships, supporting quicker market entry. Management expressed confidence that the assets’ expansion potential would generate value for stakeholders.
Ramco Cements reported standalone audited results for FY26 with net revenue of Rs 90,560 million (mn) and profit after tax of Rs 6,940 mn. EBIDTA rose to Rs 14,820 mn and blended EBIDTA per tonne was Rs 788 on a two per cent volume rise to 18.81 million (mn) tonne (t). Cement revenue increased by five per cent and construction chemicals revenue rose by 66 per cent.
Raw material cost per tonne rose to Rs 1,023 from Rs 956 mainly due to a mineral bearing land tax of Rs 160 per t in Tamil Nadu, adding about Rs 86 per t. Power and fuel cost per tonne fell to Rs 1,098 from Rs 1,123 with petcoke mix down to 47 per cent and green power up to 40 per cent.
Profit before tax after exceptional items was Rs 8,790 mn. Net exceptional items were Rs 5,530 mn, including Rs 5,740 mn from sale of surplus land and Rs 200 mn of past service cost. The company monetised Rs 10,980 mn from non core asset sales over the past two years and recorded capex of Rs 9,970 mn, with guidance of Rs 8,000 mn for FY27.
Net debt fell by Rs 8,170 mn to Rs 36,640 mn at 31 March 2026 and cost of debt eased to 7.29 per cent, reducing net debt to EBIDTA to 2.47 times. Management indicated the full impact of higher fuel costs is expected from Q2 FY27, while packing and diesel cost increases will be visible in Q1 FY27. The board has proposed a dividend of Rs two point five zero per equity share and the company flagged risks from elevated fuel and logistics costs, commodity volatility and competitive pricing.