Concrete

UltraTech Cement Faces Growth Challenges Amid Cyclones and Monsoons

In contrast, the housing segment demonstrated robust growth.

Published

2 years ago

January 24, 2025

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UltraTech Cement, one of India’s largest cement manufacturers, highlighted in its Q3 exchange filing the growing impact of climate change and stringent environmental policies on its operations. Key segments, including infrastructure and housing, have been affected by severe weather events and pollution control measures.

The infrastructure segment witnessed a decline, largely attributed to pollution control measures in Delhi and surrounding regions. These regulations, aimed at curbing air pollution, slowed construction activities and delayed multiple infrastructure projects, reducing demand for cement. Additional challenges included farmers’ protests, completion of major projects like the RRTS, aggregate manufacturer strikes, and labour shortages during festive periods.

In contrast, the housing segment demonstrated robust growth across most regions, except Odisha, which was heavily impacted by Cyclone Dana. The cyclone caused significant disruptions, delaying construction and halting ongoing projects. Similarly, southern states such as Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh faced growth slowdowns due to prolonged monsoon seasons and cyclone impacts.

UltraTech reported a 17% year-on-year decline in net profit, amounting to Rs 14.69 billion, despite a 3% rise in revenue from operations to Rs 171.93 billion. However, the company’s profit exceeded Street estimates of Rs 11.95 billion, and revenue surpassed expectations of Rs 168.54 billion.

(ET)

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Concrete

Cement Firms to Invest Rs. 130 bn in Green Energy by FY28

Cement companies plan to expand clean energy capacity to 6 GW by FY28

Published

1 day ago

September 17, 2026

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India’s major cement companies are set to raise their clean energy capacity to 6 GW by March 2028 from around 4 GW at the end of March 2026, according to ratings agency ICRA. The planned expansion is expected to involve investments of Rs. 130 bn over the next two years.

The additional capacity could generate annual savings of Rs. 62 bn to Rs. 67 bn, resulting in an estimated payback period of 1.8 to 2.2 years. Cement is an emission-intensive industry, and leading producers have established net-zero roadmaps covering the next 15 to 20 years.

The calcination process accounts for 57 to 60 per cent of the sector’s total emissions, while fuel combustion contributes 27 to 30 per cent and electricity consumption accounts for 10 to 13 per cent. ICRA said the figures highlighted the need for a broad decarbonisation strategy involving green power, blended cement, alternative fuels and improvements in clinker efficiency.

Green energy is considered one of the most commercially attractive decarbonisation options because it can reduce emissions while lowering operating costs. Every 5 per cent increase in green power replacement can reduce power and fuel costs by Rs. 15 to Rs. 16 per tonne. A 25 per cent replacement level could therefore save Rs. 75 to Rs. 80 per tonne and expand operating margins by 140 to 160 basis points.

Cement producers are also assessing carbon capture, utilisation and storage, although high implementation costs, energy requirements and limited transport and storage infrastructure are expected to slow commercial adoption. The government has proposed Rs. 200 bn over five years to support deployment across key sectors. Meanwhile, companies are targeting thermal substitution rates of 10 to 15 per cent over the next three to five years, compared with the current industry level of around 6 per cent.

Concrete

Centre Defers Clearance for Limestone Mine Near Bustard Habitat

Panel seeks revised mining plan and safeguards for pipelines and wildlife

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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.