Construction works lead to cement shortages in the Philippines

The Philippines’ Iloilo province has been experiencing cement shortages due to major ongoing construction and real estate projects throughout the region. According to reports, suppliers did not anticipate the surge in demand for cement and storeowners have had to limit the amount of cement sold in one transaction to 10 bags.

Major projects are currently being carried out in the province, including the construction of the PHP1 billion Iloilo Convention Centre and a number of works improving the region’s transport infrastructure. Commercial and real estate projects are also being implemented in Iloilo city. The shortage has been felt particularly hard in the northern part of the province, one of the areas that experienced the most damage following Typhoon Yolanda in November 2013. Investment in the development of housing and infrastructure has been the main drive for the construction sector in the country, as both remain in short supply following the devastating typhoon.

Despite a shortage in supply, cement prices have remained relatively stable over the past few weeks. According to local stockists, a 40 kg bag of Portland cement is priced at around PHP240 – PHP245, while regular cement is priced at approximately PHP230 per bag. Demand for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is particularly high; OPC is most commonly used for major construction works. However, local reports suggest that prices have risen over the past couple of weeks.

Edited from various sources by Rosalie Starling

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/asia-pacific-rim/23062014/construction_works_lead_to_cement_shortages_in_the_philippines_392/