20 August 2025

Sri Lanka: Tokyo Cement has started the 2025-26 financial year on a ‘cautiously optimistic’ footing, projecting steady demand for cement buoyed by improving macroeconomic conditions and sustained private sector investment, according to the Daily Mirror newspaper.

In the quarter ending 30 June 2025, the group posted revenues of US$41.6m, up from US$38.8m in the previous corresponding period. Profit after tax came in at US$2.22m, down from US$2.35m in 2024. Sales growth was reportedly underpinned by higher volumes and momentum from ongoing construction projects, although seasonal slowdowns and monsoon-related disruptions affected demand. Lower interest rates and improved credit access continued to stimulate real estate and commercial construction. However, delays in public infrastructure projects remain a constraint on full recovery.

The company said “While we maintain a conservative short‑ to medium‑term outlook, we are confident in the underlying economic fundamentals and prepared to capitalise on industry growth opportunities,” noting that its 4Mt/yr capacity remains underutilised.

India: UltraTech Cement says that it will surpass a production capacity of 200Mt/yr in the 2026 financial year, one year ahead of its original 2027 target. Chair Kumar Mangalam Birla said the company’s consolidated capacity stood at 188.8Mt/yr in March 2025, after adding 42.6Mt/yr during the 2025 financial year, including 16.3Mt/yr from organic expansion and 26.3Mt/yr from acquisitions, notably India Cements and Kesoram Industries.

The producer operates 34 integrated cement plants, 30 grinding units and 9 bulk terminals across India.

India: UltraTech Cement has commissioned a 7.5MW hybrid renewable energy project at its Sewagram cement plant in Gujarat. The on-site system combines bifacial solar modules with trackers, wind power and battery storage to provide uninterrupted energy without reliance on the grid. The project was developed with energy provider Gentari. The company aims to increase the share of renewable energy in its power mix to 65% by 2027 and 85% by 2030. As part of its RE100 commitment, UltraTech aims to meet 100% of its electricity needs through renewable sources by 2050.

Syria: The General Company for Cement and Building Materials (Al-Omran) has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with UAE-based consultancy A³&Co. to develop a third production line at the Hama cement plant. The deal also covers technical workforce training and designates A³&Co. as strategic advisor to align the sector with global sustainability standards.

General manager of Al-Omran Mahmoud Fadila and A³&Co. CEO Amr Nader signed the agreement in Damascus. It includes reducing the industry’s environmental footprint, studying energy use to raise efficiency, and establishing workshops, evaluation systems and internationally accredited testing centres.

Pakistan: Kot Addu Power Company (KAPCO) and Fauji Foundation have submitted a binding offer to acquire Pharaon Investment Group’s entire 84% stake in Attock Cement, according to Pakistan Today news. Each acquirer intends to purchase 42% of the company’s issued and paid-up capital.

KAPCO confirmed the development in a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange. The offer remains subject to acceptance by the seller, execution of a share purchase agreement, regulatory approvals and other conditions. The partners first declared their intention to jointly acquire control of Attock Cement in June 2025.