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Concrete

When Volumes Matter

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The fourth quarter of the last financial year was a washout for the cement sector as prices dipped across the country. From a drop of Rs.5 per bag in central India to a drastic cut of Rs.10 per bag in Gujarat, the flat trend of the last few months can be attributed to unseasonal rains and low labour availability affecting construction activities. Volume push, fall in demand and increased discount offerings are other factors that have affected attempts of price hikes. But fast recovery is expected in the June quarter as demand picks up amid seasonal recovery.

Another reason for the cement sector to recover on the price front is the upcoming elections. With elections scheduled in 2024, the government is accelerating all of its housing and infrastructure initiatives, thereby spurring the demand for cement. Cement companies are definitely bullish about growth and the Indian cement industry is likely to witness a fresh capacity increase of 145 MT-155 MT amounting to a capex of Rs.1.2 lakh crore by FY27. A report by CRISIL confirms that demand for cement will remain buoyed at a CAGR of 6-7 per cent over the forecast period. The addition of 145 MT-155 MT to the already existing capacity of 570 MT will further consolidate India’s position as the second largest cement producer in the world.

Cement is an important component of revenue for the state governments and this point has been underscored by the recent impasse in Himachal Pradesh where the Ambuja and ACC plants had been shut down for over two months over the disagreement over freight charged by the 6,500 truckers. The state government was losing Rs.60 cr to Rs.80 cr per day in electricity, VAT and GST. A GST cut from 28 per cent to 18 per cent would reduce GST revenues by Rs.13,000 cr annually. However, if this reduction in price is passed on to the consumers, a higher demand could reduce the reduction in revenue. Finally, the impasse was resolved with the intervention of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Himachal Pradesh truckers, agreed to a lower freight rate after the company assured them of additional volumes from neighbouring states.

Another trend that is emerging with regards to adding fresh capacity is the logistics-oriented approach. Many cement companies are preferring to install their new grinding units near the distribution centres for freight cost rationalisation. This will also boost the attempts to decarbonise cement. Further, initiatives such as the launch of LNG trucks by Dalmia Cement (Bharat) for transportation of raw materials and bagged cement is helping build a green supply chain for cement. Decarbonisation is taking place in every step of the supply chain, and India is definitely a trailblazer in green initiatives in the cement sector.

Concrete

Cement Margins to Erode as Energy Costs Rise: CRISIL

CRISIL warns of 150–200 bps margin decline this fiscal

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Crisil Intelligence (CRISIL) released a report on April 13, 2026, indicating Indian cement manufacturers face margin erosion of 150–200 basis points this fiscal, reducing operating margins to between 16 per cent and 18 per cent. The firm noted that this represents a reversal from the prior year when margins expanded by 260–280 basis points. The analysis attributed the shift to rising input costs despite steady demand.

The report said that power and fuel, which typically account for about 26–28 per cent of production cost, are expected to increase by 10–12 per cent year on year, driven by higher prices for crude oil, petroleum coke and thermal coal. Brent crude was assessed as likely to trade between $82 and $87 per barrel, and industrial diesel prices rose by 25 per cent in March, raising logistics and procurement expenses. Such increases have therefore heightened cost pressures across the value chain.

Producers plan to raise selling prices by one–three per cent, which would put the average retail price of a cement bag at around Rs355–Rs360, according to the report. CRISIL’s director Sehul Bhatt was cited as saying that these hikes will at best offset a four–six per cent rise in production costs, leaving little room for higher profitability. The report added that intense competition and continual capacity additions constrain the extent to which firms can pass on costs.

Demand conditions remain supportive, with CRISIL projecting volume growth of six point five–seven point five per cent this fiscal on the back of accelerated infrastructure projects and steady industrial and commercial consumption. Nonetheless, the pace of recovery is sensitive to developments in West Asia, the speed of government infrastructure execution and monsoon performance. The agency noted that any further escalation in energy prices or delays in project execution would widen margin pressures.

Overall, the sector will continue to grow but with compressed margins as energy cost inflation outpaces the limited ability to raise prices. Investors and policymakers will therefore monitor both input cost trajectories and policy measures aimed at alleviating supply chain constraints.

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Concrete

Haver & Boecker Niagara to showcase solutions at Hillhead

Focus on screening tech, diagnostics and quarrying efficiency

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Haver & Boecker Niagara will showcase its mineral processing technologies at Hillhead 2026, scheduled from June 23–25 in Buxton, UK.
At Stand PA3, the company will present its end-to-end solutions including screeners, screen media and advanced diagnostics, with a focus on improving efficiency, uptime and throughput for aggregates producers.
Highlighting its screen media portfolio, the company will feature Ty-Wire media with hybrid design offering up to 80 per cent more open area, alongside FLEX-MAT® solutions designed to enhance wear life and throughput while reducing blinding and clogging.
The showcase will also include its PULSE Diagnostics suite, comprising vibration analysis, condition monitoring and impact testing, aimed at assessing equipment health and preventing unplanned downtime.
Commenting on the event, Martin Loughran, Sales Manager, UK & Ireland, said, “Hillhead presents an excellent opportunity for us to demonstrate how we deliver innovative technologies along with long-term service and technical support.”
The company will also highlight its Niagara F-Class vibrating screen, designed to reduce structural vibration and improve operational reliability under demanding conditions.
The participation reflects Haver & Boecker Niagara’s focus on supporting quarrying operations with advanced screening solutions and predictive maintenance technologies.

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Concrete

Siyaram Recycling Secures Rs 21.03 mn Order From Anurag Impex

Domestic Fixed Cost Contract To Be Executed Within Seven Days

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Siyaram Recycling Industries Limited (Siyaram Recycling) has informed the stock exchange that it has secured a purchase order for brass scrap honey from Anurag Impex. The company submitted the intimation on 10 April 2026 from Jamnagar and requested the filing be taken on record. The filing was made under the provisions of regulation 30 of the SEBI listing regulations and accompanying circular. The intimation referenced the SEBI circular dated 13 July 2023 and included an annexure detailing the terms.

The order carries a fixed cost value of Rs 21.03 million (mn) and is to be executed domestically within seven days. The contract was described as a fixed cost engagement and the customer was identified as Anurag Impex. The announcement specified that the order size contributes a short term consideration to the company. Owing to the brief execution window, logistics and dispatch were expected to be prioritised.

The filing clarified that neither the promoter group nor group companies have any interest in the purchaser and that the transaction does not constitute a related party transaction. Details were provided in an annexure and the document was signed by the managing director, Bhavesh Ramgopal Maheshwari. The company referenced compliance with SEBI disclosure requirements in its notification. The notice indicated that no related party approvals were required owing to the nature of the transaction.

The order is expected to provide a modest near term revenue inflow and to be processed within the stated execution window given the nature of the product and the fixed cost terms. Management indicated the contract will be executed in accordance with standard operational procedures and accounting recognition at completion. The development signals continuing demand in the secondary metals market for brass scrap.

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