Tenders launched for the supply of cement during 2009 have attracted only one firm’s response but the price quoted by the bidder is considered too high. To avoid any hike in the  price, the Government is looking for other suppliers and has launched fresh tenders for the 300,000t.

The Minister of Business, Enterprise and Co-operatives, Mahen Gowressoo, told the House that the STC launched its cement tender on September 19 through the Central Procurement Board and three companies expressed interest.

Marine Cement Ltd, Prosperity Cement (ASIA) Limited and Orientrans FZC proposed USD 93.25, 108 and 122 respectively, but the last two bidders did not respond as they had not submitted their bid bonds. “We found the price of Marine Cement high and Government has launched a fresh tender. For petroleum products there has been no tender launched as the STC has the contract for supply for the whole country up to 2010 with Mangalore Refinery. The contract for supply of LPG has been awarded to Geogas Ltd at a premium of USD 115 per metric ton and will expire on June 30, 2009.” said Gowressoo.