The capacity utilisation of India’s top 10 cement producers fell to 52 per cent in the quarter ending 30 June, compared to 76 per cent in the year-ago period, according to The Hindu BusinessLine. The decline has been attributed to weak demand and logistics restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The lower capacity utilisation reportedly increased operational costs despite a dip in fuel and raw material costs. With the onset of the monsoon season and housing projects facing labour issues, demand is expected to remain subdued in the September quarter.