Cement prices in May stay firm despite Covid-19 disruptions

04 Jun 2021 CW Team

Cement prices have remained stable in May despite demand disruptions caused by Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions.

This is because cement manufacturers continue to place a premium on price over volume growth.

In May, the all-India average cement price increased by 1.1% to Rs 356 per 50 kg bag. It was a tad lower by 1.3% compared to the previous year level.

Following firm prices and a gradual relaxation of lockdown across states, analysts are bullish on cement companies.

They believe that concentrating on prices rather than volume will result in stable or improved operating earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) margins before depreciation and amortisation.

According to an analyst, one of the main reasons why cement companies' earnings have recently been upgraded is their desire to protect pricing.

The analyst also said that while margins will improve in the second half of FY22, it will not be sufficient to offset rising raw material costs. As per the analyst, margins are expected to improve by 2-3% in FY23. EBITDA margins for large cement companies range from 13 to 27%.

Demand from construction activities in the infrastructure, rural, and urban housing segments will boost cement makers' topline and profits as lockdown restrictions are gradually lifted.

Image Source

Also read: Cement demand may surpass 340 mt in FY22: ICRA

Also read: Cement demand to sustain: India Ratings and Research

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..