Mar witnesses 6% jump in cement sales

NEW DELHI: The cement sales rose 6% to 17.97 million tonnes during March as compared to 16.93 million tonnes during the corresponding period last year. The production has jumped 5% to 17.91 million tonnes, said Cement Manufacturers' Association.

During the past financial year, cement companies sales climbed 7% to 179 million tonnes. Production surged 6% to 180 million tonnes during the financial year.

In March, the all-India sales number will rise by 4.52 million tonnes if the performance of Holcim group firms, ACC and Ambuja Cement, are also included. They manufactured 4.49 million tonnes during March. Both these firms are not part of the Association.

During the first three quarters of the previous year, the cement demand across India has slipped due to poor demand from infrastructure and real-estate firms. High borrowing cost along with the slowdown in the economy had impacted the cement demand. India has witnessed turnaround in demand since January with Centre reviving its investment in infrastructure development.

With the rise in demand, cement firms have surged the prices since January with the aim to pass on the jumping raw material and freight costs. The companies will be able to maintain operating margins at the present levels.