Import Of Lead May Increase 20 Per Cent

Falling domestic production and an increasing demand for automobile batteries are likely push the import of lead by 20 per cent during the current financial year. Import of lead is expected to reach 100,000 tonnes during the current year as compared to 85,000 tonnes last year.

Consumption of lead in 2002-03 is estimated at 190,000 tonnes compared to 170,000 tonnes in 2001-02. The current annual production stands at around 70,000 tonnes.