Cement dispatches by major manufacturers improved in March on the back of a strong pickup in demand across regions. Owing to the revival in demand, cement companies hiked prices by Rs 10-25 a bag in March. The revision follows a similar hike in February due to the surge in input cost. Demand for cement grew 4.5 per cent in April-December 2010 and capacity utilisation was at 75 per cent.
Demand firmed up in March with many real estate companies putting some of their projects, which were close to completion, on fast-track to meet the financial year deadline. Going ahead, the demand growth remains uncertain unless infrastructure activities gather steam. Cement companies are betting on real estate projects, especially in rural areas, for demand to hold up in the coming months.
Sales in MT | Mar 2011 | Feb 2011 | Mar 2010 | Chg MoM% | Chg YoY% |
ACC | 2.18 | 2 | <TD>