Ban on cement export partially lifted

New Delhi, May 27 : The Central government on Tuesday partially lifted a ban on cement export on expectations of dipping demand in the ensuing monsoon period and falling of prices in the domestic market.

The cement exports will be allowed only from the ports in Gujarat.

"June/July is the monsoon period. Nobody constructs houses in this period," Commerce Secretary Gopal K Pillai said.

He said the government expects a fall in demand for cement in the monsoon season.

Pillai said cement from the Gujarat manufacturers is not going to the rest of the country and is only for exports.

Around two million tonnes of cement will be exported per annum, the Commerce Secretary said.

The Central Government had imposed a ban on export of cement last month following a rise in prices and the inflation crossing the seven per cent mark.

According to a report by Citi Investment Research, Citigroup's brokerage arm, the country exported about six million tonnes of cement and clinker last fiscal.

Gujarat alone accounted for about 75 per cent of the total exports. It produces 15 million tons of cement per annum, but consumes only 11.5 million tons, it said.

ANI