Due to COVID-19, a consecutive three-month gradual decrease in cement has been noted. Figures depict a decline of 38 per cent with capital cost of 2.27 million to 3.64 million. The delay in implementing public sector development projects, is mainly due to Ramazan, the pandemic and Eid holidays has slowed down the construction activities. During the first 11 months of the current fiscal year, total cement despatches creeped down by 0.32pc to 43.189m tonnes, while exports has been increased by 14pc to 7.059m tonnes. Domestic despatches by the north-based mills stood at 31m tonnes while exports from the region has been dropped by 19.24pc to 1.924m tonnes. The south-based mills despatched 5.18m tonnes locally during the first 11 months of this fiscal year, however exports registered a healthy increase of 35pc from 3.81m tonnes to 5.13m tonnes. After placement of 31pc growth in domestic cement consumption in February, the sector has been in steady deteriorations from March, April and May. The government should take productive steps as construction sector is the only largest sector of employment in country.
