The Khrew plant of Jammu and Kashmir Cements Ltd was shut for nine days as a result of a coal shortage.

The shutdown occurred between 14-22 January and is reported to have cost the company at least INR60m (US$943,879).

Usually the cement producer stores 1.52Mt of coal, procured on advance payment from Kolkata. However, to meet exigencies and following losses, the company has now purchased coal from a private player at higher rates, reports the Daily Excelsior. According to source, the plant has now placed a INR50m order with Insha Developers Ranchi without issuing tenders and to date, 500t has been delivered.