Cement demand to recover soon for construction industry

04 Jan 2022 CW Team

With the commencement of the construction season this year, cement demand and price recovery are expected in the coming months.

According to the Emkay Research report, the input prices of cement have seen moderation, and a sustainable improvement in demand and price is crucial for profitability in the cement sector.

During the second quarter (Q2)of FY22, higher prices of cement affected the domestic cement players, with an 11% year-on-year (YoY) drop and 17% sequential drop in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) per tonne.

The cement volumes had dropped during October and November in 2021 due to the surge in monsoon season across the country and a sharp decline in volumes in the East region.

According to the JM Financial report, a 9% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is expected during FY22-24 and limited supply growth of 13% over FY22-24.

According to ICICI Securities, nearly 60% of the 42 million tonnes (mt) clinker and over 80 mt cement capacities will be added in the East and central regions in FY22-24.

Nearly 30% of the cement capacities are to be added by the end of FY23 and expects to see growth from FY24, while another 30% of capacities will get commissioned in FY24.

The pipeline capacity has increased by 27%, against 14% for large peers is expected to drive growth and market shares while lowering regional concentration risk.

UltraTech Cement will continue to grow business and profitability in FY21-24E backed by low-cost brownfield expansion projects and increased cost efficiencies.

It has planned to expand 20 mt capacities in the next two to three years in high-growth utilisation markets of East, North and Central India to ensure fast ramp-up and higher volumes.

Image Source

Infrastructure Urban

03 Apr 2026

Centre Disburses Over Rs 24,610 mn in XV Finance Commission Grants

The Union Government has released XV Finance Commission tied grants during the financial year 2025–26 to rural local bodies in Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Sikkim and has released withheld portions of tied and untied grants to Himachal Pradesh, Odisha and Tripura. The total disbursal exceeded Rs 24,610 mn, with figures expressed in million (mn) thereafter. The releases cover allocations pertaining to different financial years and aim to strengthen rural local governance. State-wise disbursements included Rs 3,324.6 mn for Punjab, Rs 9,432.7 mn for Madhya Pradesh, Rs 3,47..

Centre Releases Over Rs 15 bn as XV FC Grants to Rural Bodies

The Union Government has released over Rs 15 bn in grants recommended by the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in six states. The funds comprise tied and untied grants disbursed in FY 2025–26. Telangana received Rs 2.48 bn as the first instalment of untied grants for FY 2025–26, benefitting 12600 Gram Panchayats (GPs). Uttarakhand received Rs 913.1 mn as the second instalment and an additional Rs 18.4 mn of a withheld first instalment was released to a further 216 GPs. Mizoram is included among beneficiary st..

Government Assures Fuel Supplies And Seafarer Safety Amid West Asia Developments

The Government of India has stepped up coordinated measures to maintain stability in critical sectors as developments in West Asia continue to unfold. It has prioritised uninterrupted energy supplies, safeguarded maritime operations and extended consular assistance to nationals. Central authorities are working with State and Union territory administrations to ensure timely information dissemination and operational continuity. Refineries are reported to be operating at high capacity with adequate inventories of petrol and diesel, and domestic LPG production has been increased to support consump..