There is no shortage of steel in the country despite the huge demand, although there may be some delays in the distribution chain that are due to other factors, Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Thani, Director and General Manager of Qatar Steel Company told reporters. "We are still covering 100 per cent of the demand in Qatar. However, sometimes in the chain of supply between us and the customer there may be delays because of either payments or transportation related issues", he said at a function marking the company's safety record.

He said steel consumption in Qatar has witnessed a sharp increase for the last three years rising from 350,000 tonnes in 2004 to 640,000 tonnes in 2005 and is expected to reach 700,000 tonnes in the coming years. He added that Qasco's market share in the GCC stands at 10 % currently and is expected to increase to 20%.

Qasco, a wholly owned subsidiary of Industries Qatar is currently in the midst of expansion that will triple its Direct Reduction Iron production capacity from 800,000 tonnes to 2.4 million tonnes per year and double the Reinforced steel bar production capacity from 800,000 tonnes to 1.4 million tonnes per year.