Oman: Oman Cement's net profit in 2014 declined by 12.8% to US$34.2m from US$39.2m in 2013. The decline was mainly due to a lower volume of cement sales, lower clinker production and higher volumes of imported clinker. Oman Cement imported higher volumes of clinker to bridge a temporary shortfall due to one of its kilns being closed for capacity enhancement.

The company said that it would consider a joint venture project for setting up a new cement plant after detailed studies. It said that its on-going US$39m project to install an additional 150t/hr cement mill with supporting infrastructure of cement silos and bulk despatches is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2015.

Oman Cement sold 2.01Mt of cement during 2014 compared to 2.1Mt in 2013, a decrease of 1.1%. In value terms, total sales dropped by 2.05% in 2014 to US$133m, from US$136m in 2013. "Market demand for cement in Oman remains good due to continued emphasis on infrastructure development. With the company's well-structured pricing policy, we hope that in spite of stiff competition with other cement manufacturers, particularly from neighbouring countries, the company will continue to do well to retain its market share," said Oman Cement's report.

Oman Cement said that government's decision to double the price of natural gas, effective from 1 January 2015, is bound to have a major impact on its performance in the coming years. "Similarly, restrictions on carrying capacity for road transport of materials will also increase the cost of operations. However, we are committed to meet the challenge by directing our efforts towards better cost management," said the report.