September 06, 2008

India to import more cement from Pakistan

It is reported that the Indian government would import more cement, if necessary, to address the demand supply mismatch in the domestic market and check any rise in prices.

Mr Ashwani Kumar Indian minister of state for industry on the sidelines of a FICCI seminar in new Delhi, told reporters that “We have allowed cement import and already a substantial quantity of 0.13 million tonnes have arrived in the country from Pakistan. If further imports are necessary to address the demand supply mismatch, it will be done.”

Mr Kumar, however, did not give the quantity of cement that would be imported.

Indian government had banned cement exports to boost domestic supplies and keep a check on rising prices.