Have you ever wondered how the world we walk on is built? At the heart of it all is an essential ingredient – cement. Dive with me into the cement industry and uncover some astounding facts.
Cement Pricing Dynamics: While a slight decline of 0.6% MoM in the all-India average cement price in Aug’23 is seen, cement manufacturers have sprung into action. They've initiated a price hike of INR30-35/bag in the East from Sep’23. But hold your horses! Despite this hike, markets expect a watchful eye on the absorption of this new price, especially with the festive season just around the corner.
What's Driving Cement Demand?
Unyielding Demand: Despite a dip due to monsoons in Jul’23, the demand surged in Aug’23. Notably, the West region showcased a robust recovery. Why, you ask? Key factors include elevated pre-election spending, infrastructural development, and a surge in real estate and industrial projects.
Year-on-Year Growth: The numbers don't lie. Cement volume saw an estimated rise of ~7% YoY in Jul’23 and is projected to ascend by 10-12% YoY in Aug’23.
.What influenced the Aug’23 cement demand surge?
- Festive Shopping
- Low Rainfalls
- Fuel Price Drop
Fuel's Role in the Equation: While fuel prices like petcoke and imported coal have climbed in Aug’23, they remain lower than the first half of CY23. Such a pattern emphasizes the importance of efficient fuel pricing in shaping the cement industry's future.
What Does the Future Hold?
The market expects an optimistic horizon for the cement sector. Factors steering this positivity include:
- Government's robust infrastructure development plans.
- Steadily increasing housing sector demand.
- An industry leaning more towards consolidation.
- A drive for cost-efficiency with green power plants and focusing on product premiumization.
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