Lafarge advance several reasons for this increase. Among other things, the "losses" incurred on the exchange rate in recent times. The company explains that the dollar has appreciated by about 5.5% compared to the rupee.
Then there is the increase in the cost to import, insurance and freight. This increase is estimated at 6.7%, was not passed on to customers for several months, argues management. Not to mention the inflation-related increases in other operating costs.
The State Trading Corporation (STC) has also launched last week, a call for tenders for the supply of the country 100,000 tons of cement. Delivery will take place between early April and late July.
"The aim is to gauge the market. The offers that we receive allow us to have an idea of ??the price of cement in the market, "they say in the media of the STC.
"It is true that cement imports were liberalized in July 2011, but we will intervene in the market if the need arises. We intervened last year and still do, "says one.