Lhaki Cement and Penden Cement Authority Ltd have suspended clinker production at Gomtu, Bhutan, following disruption to coal supplies transported through India’s West Bengal, according to company officials interviewed by Kuensel.

Lhaki Cement said its clinker plant had been shut since 7 September. Before the shutdown, output had fallen to approximately 150–200tpd, compared with its 450tpd capacity. The company imported around 510t of Russian coal through Haldia port, but this stock has been exhausted, with another shipment expected in mid-December.

Penden Cement Authority said its clinker operations would remain suspended until at least 10 November and could stay shut if coal shortages persist.

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Officials attributed the supply disruption to transit restrictions in West Bengal, reportedly affecting both imported coal and Bhutanese coal transported through Indian territory. The precise nature of these restrictions remains unclear.

The Association of Bhutanese Industries raised the shortages with the government on 14 October and is awaiting a decision, Kuensel reported.