India: Birla Corporation’s consolidated revenue fell by 1.6% year-on-year to US$936m in its 2021 financial year that ended on 31 March 2021 from US$951m in its 2020 financial year. Its cement sales volumes decreased by 1.8% to 13.4Mt from 13.6Mt. However, its earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 1.2% to US$195m from US$193m. It blamed falling sales on the coronavarus pandemic but it said it was able to increase earnings and profits by ‘aggressively’ rationalising costs.

"In the light of the massive disruptions faced at the beginning of the financial year, the 2021 financial year wasn't disappointing from the standpoint of profitability. Our performance reflected the resilience we have built over the years to external shocks. We also benefited from the stimulus provided by the government. But in the wake of the second wave of the pandemic, the year ahead looks more challenging. To my mind, India's ability to contain the pandemic through rapid inoculation and other means holds the key to economic revival," said Harsh Vardhan Lodha, chairman of Birla Corporation.

The cement producer also said that work on its new 3.9Mt/yr integrated cement plant in Mukutban, Maharashtra had been delayed due to a shortage of workers related to the ongoing health crisis. The plant is currently scheduled for commissioning by the end of the 2021 calendar year.