Concrete

Cement industry to add 75 million MT capacity despite slower growth

Despite this expansion, capacity utilisation is forecasted to remain moderate.

Published

2 years ago

December 2, 2024

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India’s cement industry is set to expand by 70-75 million metric tonnes (MT) over the next two years, according to ICRA. Of this, 33-37 million MT will come from clinker capacity, while grinding capacity will account for the remainder.

In FY2025, 33-35 million MT of capacity is expected to be added, with 37-39 million MT projected for FY2026. The eastern and southern regions will lead this growth, contributing 38-40 million MT collectively over the two fiscal years. Despite this expansion, capacity utilisation is forecasted to remain moderate, improving slightly to 71% in FY2025 from 70% in FY2024, driven by increased cement production.

ICRA revised its growth outlook for cement volumes in FY2025, lowering the expected year-on-year growth to 4-5% (445-450 million MT), down from the earlier estimate of 7-8%. This adjustment is attributed to a slowdown in construction activities in the housing and infrastructure sectors, following the General Elections.

However, the second half of FY2025 (H2 FY2025) is expected to see recovery, driven by strong rural consumption due to healthy monsoons, robust kharif crop output, and high reservoir levels supporting rabi sowing. Urban housing demand is also likely to support cement volumes.

Despite these positive trends, the operating profit per tonne (OPBITDA/MT) of cement companies is projected to decline by 12-15% year-on-year in FY2025, to Rs 820-850 per tonne, according to Tushar Bharambe, Assistant Vice President and Sector Head, Corporate Ratings at ICRA.

Increased government spending on infrastructure projects is anticipated to boost construction activity in H2 FY2025, offering further support to the cement sector. However, overall profitability is expected to remain under pressure for the fiscal year. (ET)

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Centre Defers Clearance for Limestone Mine Near Bustard Habitat

Panel seeks revised mining plan and safeguards for pipelines and wildlife

Published

16 hours ago

September 16, 2026

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The Centre has deferred environmental clearance for a proposed limestone mine near a Great Indian Bustard habitat in Ramgarh, Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district. The critically endangered species has an estimated wild population of about 130 in India.

Concrete

Telangana to Supply Subsidised Cement for Indiramma Houses

Poor families allotted Indiramma houses to receive cement at Rs. 230 per bag

Published

16 hours ago

September 16, 2026

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The Telangana government will supply cement at a subsidised price of Rs. 230 per 50-kg bag to poor and low-income families allotted Indiramma houses. The prevailing market price is between Rs. 310 and Rs. 320 per bag, the Assembly was informed on Thursday.

Concrete

Cement Demand Strong As Prices Remain Stable

Volumes rise amid steady trade pricing and higher fuel costs

Published

6 days ago

September 11, 2026

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Channel checks show cement demand remained healthy with volume growth estimated at six to seven per cent in July and August 2026. Trade prices were broadly stable while non-trade prices were volatile in the East, and attempted hikes were rolled back amid higher competition. Average fuel costs rose in August by five to nine per cent, lifting spot petcoke and coal prices.

All-India trade price remained flat month on month in August as increased rake supplies and competition offset early increases. Monsoon related demand softness limited sustained hikes and dealers indicated further attempts would depend on demand trends. Combined July and August volumes were estimated at six to seven per cent, supported by infrastructure spending while retail housing remained weather sensitive.

In the South, a Rs20 a bag hike in August did not hold and prices stayed flat month on month, while dealers planned Rs25 to Rs30 a bag from fifth September 2026 but with uncertain sustainability. In the East, trade prices were unchanged and non-trade prices corrected by Rs15 to Rs20 a bag amid weak construction in West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha.

The West remained most resilient on pricing and demand despite attempted hikes of Rs10 to Rs15 a bag, and Gujarat saw relatively better volumes in August. North and Central markets kept prices range bound as players focused on ramping up utilisation of new capacity, with schemes of up to Rs2 to Rs3 a bag used to meet month-end targets. Overall construction activity improved as the monsoon eased, aiding a pickup in several states.

Fuel cost pressures persisted, with South African coal at USD114 a t and petcoke around USD146 to USD147 a t in August, while spot imported petcoke and coal were higher. Imported coal consumption cost stood at Rs2.07 per Kcal and petcoke at USD2.11 per Kcal. Analysts estimate the all-India trade spread to decline by Rs90 to Rs100 a t quarter on quarter, weighing on near-term profitability and they prefer UltraTech Cement (UTCEM), JK Cement (JKCE) and Grasim Industries (GRASIM).