Holcim Philippines considers raising cement prices by July

Holcim Philippines has revealed that it may increase cement prices by July to counteract the effects of the power crisis in Mindanao and the need to import clinker from Japan. Roland Van Wijnen, Chief Operating Officer at Holcim Philippines stated that they company had delayed a price increase last year, instead opting to raise prices in Northern Luzon and Mindanao.

Eduardo Sahagun, Senior Vice President for Sales, Marketing, Distribution and Technical Services, pointed out that having to import clinker from Japan had further increased their costs. ‘The impact of the imported clinker (on our costs) will be felt in the second quarter. The impact of the power crisis will also be felt at the same time. Right now, we still can’t quantify, but we’ll have a better idea at the end of the first half.’ Sahagun also remarked how the company is looking to invest an additional PHP200 million this year in the opening of new lines and turning around idle capacity – several of Holcim’s lines within the country have been shut down due to lack of power supply.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/asia-pacific-rim/05052010/holcim_philippines_considers_raising_cement_prices_by_july/