Cement demand declines with rising input costs in India
Cement

Cement demand declines with rising input costs in India

Cement stocks have been hit recently due to a decline in demand and rising input prices for the sector.

Jefferies told the media that the prices of cement declined by 3% on a month-on-month (MoM) basis or Rs 11 per bag in May 2022.

The company highlighted the risk of downgrades in earnings estimates has resurfaced. It said multiple markets declined due to weak demand and the smallest decline in the western and the largest in the central region.

According to a report, prices declined in May across all the regions of the country with a drop of up to Rs 35 per bag every month. The cement industry sought a price hike in early May but rolled it back due to muted demand.

The prices of cement bags declined by Rs 23 per bag in the south and Rs 18 in the central region. However, prices in eastern, northern and western regions have declined by Rs 17, Rs 15 and Rs 6, respectively.

The rising price of coal and inflation, along with the shortage of labour, is a challenge for cement companies.

According to JM Financial, petcoke prices have increased and might impact margins in the first quarter (Q1) of FY23.

The volumes transported by railway freight indicate an improvement in demand on an MoM basis, as compared to last year, transported volumes in May 2022, with robust growth of 30% YoY.

According to the Emkay Global report, industries expect demand improvement on June 22 due to a recent fall in steel prices and a likely increase in pre-monsoon construction activities.

Companies have announced a price hike of Rs 15-20 per bag for the current month.

Emkay Global has chosen UltraTech Cement and Shree Cement in large-caps, Birla Corporation in mid-caps and Sagar Cement in small-caps from the sector.

JM Financial has identified UltraTech Cement, Shree Cement, ACC Cement, Dalmia Bharat, JK Cement, JK Lakshmi Cement, Sagar Cement and Orient Cement across the sector.

Image Source

Also read: New wave of consolidation is expected in the cement industry

Cement stocks have been hit recently due to a decline in demand and rising input prices for the sector. Jefferies told the media that the prices of cement declined by 3% on a month-on-month (MoM) basis or Rs 11 per bag in May 2022. The company highlighted the risk of downgrades in earnings estimates has resurfaced. It said multiple markets declined due to weak demand and the smallest decline in the western and the largest in the central region. According to a report, prices declined in May across all the regions of the country with a drop of up to Rs 35 per bag every month. The cement industry sought a price hike in early May but rolled it back due to muted demand. The prices of cement bags declined by Rs 23 per bag in the south and Rs 18 in the central region. However, prices in eastern, northern and western regions have declined by Rs 17, Rs 15 and Rs 6, respectively. The rising price of coal and inflation, along with the shortage of labour, is a challenge for cement companies. According to JM Financial, petcoke prices have increased and might impact margins in the first quarter (Q1) of FY23. The volumes transported by railway freight indicate an improvement in demand on an MoM basis, as compared to last year, transported volumes in May 2022, with robust growth of 30% YoY. According to the Emkay Global report, industries expect demand improvement on June 22 due to a recent fall in steel prices and a likely increase in pre-monsoon construction activities. Companies have announced a price hike of Rs 15-20 per bag for the current month. Emkay Global has chosen UltraTech Cement and Shree Cement in large-caps, Birla Corporation in mid-caps and Sagar Cement in small-caps from the sector. JM Financial has identified UltraTech Cement, Shree Cement, ACC Cement, Dalmia Bharat, JK Cement, JK Lakshmi Cement, Sagar Cement and Orient Cement across the sector. Image Source Also read: New wave of consolidation is expected in the cement industry

Next Story
Resources

Ajmera Realty launches tree drive on Environment Day

Ajmera Realty & Infra India marked World Environment Day with a large-scale tree plantation initiative—Plant-with-Purpose—across its projects in Mumbai and Bangalore. The drive was inaugurated at Ajmera Manhattan and Ajmera Greenfinity in Wadala, with senior company officials and residents in attendance. The campaign encourages residents to embrace eco-conscious, self-reliant lifestyles by growing useful plants and trees within their communities. Horticulture expert Devendra Bhekar guided residents on creating and maintaining green spaces. Ajmera Realty planted over 500 trees..

Next Story
Resources

Twaron®-reinforced tyre powers Brunel’s solar race car

Teijin Aramid’s Twaron® with circular content will debut in Bridgestone’s race tyres for the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, supporting the Brunel Solar Team’s Nuna 13 car. This marks the first use of the recycled-content aramid in a high-performance race tyre. The Twaron®-reinforced belts help enhance durability, reduce rolling resistance, and maintain lightweight strength—critical for the 3,000-km solar race across Australia. Bridgestone combines this with ENLITENTM tech and other recycled inputs to maximise environmental and performance outcomes. Teijin Aramid, a..

Next Story
Building Material

Kamdhenu Paints launches new wood coating range

Kamdhenu Paints has launched a comprehensive premium wood coating range designed for both interior and exterior applications. The collection includes high-performance solutions like Kamwood 2K PU for a rich matt or high-gloss finish, Kamwood 1K PU for clarity and stain protection, and the Kamwood Melamyne system for a smooth, durable finish. Also featured are Kamwood Wood Stains, which enhance wood grains with vibrant colour, and NC Sanding Sealer for high-build grain filling. The range is supported by Kamwood Thinners for ease of application and optimal finish. Saurabh Agarwal, MD, ..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?