LAHORE - The cement dispatches stood at four-month high of 2.9 million tons in Oct compared to 2 million tons in Sep 2010, showing an increase of 45 percent.
According to the data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA), the major increase was seen in exports which improved by 52 percent to 0.94 million tons compared to 0.62 million tons last month. This was followed by local dispatches, which improved by 44 percent to 1.97 million tons as compared to 1.37 million tons in Sep 2010.
However, compared to same period last year total dispatches were lower by 4 percent to 2.9 million tons from 3 million tons sold in Oct 2009. While 16 percent decline was seen in exports but local off take improved by 3 percent.
The cumulative dispatches for 4MFY11 stood lower by 11 percent to 10.12 million tons as compared to 11.42 million tons in same period last year.
A cement sector expert, Furqan Punjani, said that cement dispatches would improve with major contribution from local demand once reconstruction activities begin.
It is to be noted that the prices of building material particularly of cement have witnessed a sharp increase all over the country, as cement cartel, bricks kiln owners and hoarders have become active, adding to the sufferings of the flood-hit people, who have started reconstruction of their homes in their respective areas.
The cement and bricks unavailability has hit the provincial capital, as the citizens who are currently busy in constructing their homes, are finding it difficult to get the material even at inflated rates.
The rates of cement, the most important component of the building material, has jumped to Rs335 per 50kg bag from Rs290-300, while the same bag is being sold at Rs350 in flood-affected areas of the Southern Punjab and Sindh, showing a hike of over Rs50 just in a week.
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