Spain: Reduced working hours due to the heatwave sweeping Europe currently have come into effect in Extremadura. From 14 July 2026 until 14 August 2026, workers in the construction and cement-related sectors will work for seven hours a day. The measure is included in the provincial collective agreements of Badajoz and Cáceres and is mandatory for all companies. The reduction is in response to occupational risk prevention measures, allowing for intensive morning shifts, avoidance of exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day and therefore lowering the risk of heatstroke. Companies must also guarantee abundant water at all construction sites. Trade union Comisiones Obreras (CCOO) has insisted that the reduced hours should be extended through the summer, and has reportedly been advocating for shorter, morning shifts for years. It said that it would be vigilant in reporting any violations to the labour authorities.

Bangladesh: The Bangladesh Coast Guard has detained 22 people and seized three cargo boats carrying a large quantity of cement allegedly being smuggled to Myanmar. During a search, officials recovered 2400 bags of Diamond Cement in the boats, along with fertiliser. The seized goods are estimated to be worth around US$11,356. According to local press, seizure of the same cement brand in recent anti-smuggling operations has raised questions among observers and called for increased scrutiny.

Armenia: The Ararat Cement plant has restarted operations following weeks of disruption, according to Armenia's Ministry of Economy. Deputy Economy Minister Edgar Zakaryan visited the facility to review the production process alongside the plant's general director.

The restart comes after the plant was sealed in early July 2026 following an investigation into businessman and opposition leader Gagik Tsarukyan. Employees staged protests demanding the right to return to work. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that the government is preparing to appoint a state manager to oversee the plant as part of ongoing proceedings.

India: Nuvoco Vistas has announced the inauguration of a 2Mt/yr cement grinding plant at its Limla facility in Surat, Gujarat, which it says will help it strengthen its footprint in the west of India. Nuvoco Vistas is aiming for 35Mt/yr capacity by the 2028 financial year. The plant will also enable Nuvoco to serve adjoining markets in western Maharashtra while releasing much-needed cement capacities previously supplied from the company’s northern plants exclusively for northern India markets, it added.