Page 3 - Cement Prices

On recovery path after a year, cement prices see a 6% jump

Prices recovered by Rs 15-20 a bag to Rs 310-315 compared to what was prevailing till January this year

Cement prices recover after a year, increase by 5-6% on pre-poll projects

Till the end of last year, cement companies were resorting to giving discounts to push sales

Demand for cement likely to outpace supply in north and east India

Prices in the western part of the country rose by over 5% followed by north, where it increased by 3%

Cement stock: Onset of monsoon may keep pricing and demand in check

While clarity will emerge once companies declare their June-quarter performance, the onset of monsoon would impact both demand and realisations given that July-September period is seasonally weak

Lack of rail rakes, higher diesel prices to weigh on cement margins

Despite the projection of an increase in cement prices over the next few months, the profitability of producers might stay under stress, with diesel prices projected to remain firm and lack of railway rakes to carry the finished product. Also, higher cost.According to ratings agency ICRA, diesel prices last month stood at Rs 61.8 a litre in Delhi. In the December quarter, it was about Rs 58 a litre."On a sequential basis, it is a three per cent increase, while on a year-on-year basis, the increase is seven per cent. Looking at the current trend, diesel prices will continue to remain firm, which might affect profitability," said Sabyasachi Majumdar, senior vice-president at ICRA. However, analysts think cement prices are also expected to rise, relieving the stress at companies. "Last year's base, on account of demonetisation, is low. In a year-on-year comparison, prices are expected to firm up more," a sector expert said.In the December quarter, on a sequential basis, UltraTech Cement .

Firm prices in Q2 to benefit pan-India cement makers

Cement prices remaining firm on a year-on-year basis in the seasonally soft September quarter (Q2) should accrue benefit for manufacturers. Notably, analysts expect prices to hold ground in the coming quarters as well led by higher demand, thereby benefitting cement markers.Usually, as Q2 witnesses monsoon, prices tend to remain soft. So, the increase in all-India cement prices, which as per recent channel checks by analysts is up 1 - 2.5 per cent on a year-on-year basis, is surprising. Though demand from housing segment remains subdued in the monsoon season, government projects are lending support, say analysts.Moving forward, expectations remain firm on demand revival led by recovery in rural India consequent to a good monsoon. Government initiatives on affordable housing and infrastructure development as metro projects, highways and coastal roads, new railway projects and even high-speed-rail projects, all bode well for demand. Analysts at Sharekhan say that post the monsoon ...

4-month cement slump may end

India's ambitious plans for housing and infrastructure construction may end a slump in cement prices

Street calm despite dip in cement prices

Analysts see buying opportunity on strong demand outlook

Cement prices to rise 6% y-o-y despite fall in demand: ICICI Securities

However, the eastern region is likely to see a strong growth in demand for the key building material

ICRA: Cement demand growth to recover to 4-5% in FY18

Cement demand, which was negatively impacted following demonetisation exercise, rebounded in March

GST, monsoon to ensure cement prices remain subdued in near term

Some analysts believe that the monsoon will actually carpet over GST's impact on the sector