In April 2014, the output of India’s eight core industries grew by 4.2%, compared to 3.7% in April 2013. The principle drivers of growth were the cement, electricity and fertilizer sectors.
Cement production increased by 6.7% in April, indicating a higher rate of growth than last year’s 5.2%. Electricity generation and fertilizer production improved by 11.2% and 11.1%, respectively. At 3.3%, output from India’s coal industry was also higher then in April 2013. Steel production was up 3.1% in April, although this compares to growth of 10.1% in the corresponding month in 2013.
Natural gas, crude oil and petroleum refinery products all saw a decline in growth, with output falling by 7.7%, 0.1% and 2.2%, respectively.
According to officials from Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue, the government is likely to raise the federal excise duty (FED) on cement by some Rs.100/t in the upcoming budget.
In the second part of this abridged article from the June 2014 issue, Ambuja Cements explains how new technologies have helped to improve supply chain efficiency.