Pakistan cement output decreases

Cement production in Pakistan has recently decreased by 30 per cent due to the current spell of winter rains in the country, say sources in the cement industry. The production has reduced to 35,000 tons a day now from the earlier level of 55,000 tons a day, they added. However, industry experts are forecasting good season ahead soon after the end of winter rains. According to them, some eight new cement units would start production in the country in the current year that would further add to the production capacity of the industry. The cement industry has a production capacity of 21Mt against the domestic demand of 16.5Mt annually.

Sources among builders said work on multi-storey buildings for offices was about to start, particularly in Lahore and other big cities of Punjab, as the business community was facing problem in having suitable office locations in the province. According to these circles, most companies have set up their offices in residential buildings, as no proper office apartment are available at present. A full-scale construction activity would start soon the weather gets clear, they said, adding: "It will multiply the consumption of cement manifold."