Pakistan's cement industry faces additional challenges

 Pakistan's Finance Minister and chair to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), Asad Umar, has announced an increase in gas tariffs for all industrial sectors from 10 to 143 per cent, to take effect from October.

The ECC approved a rise in gas prices for a range of sectors, including the cement industry, which is expected to see the cost of gas rise by 30 per cent from PKR750/mmBtu (US$6.05/mmBtu) to PKR975/mmBtu.

In addition, it is expected that Mr Umar will present a 'mini-budget' for 2018-19, reducing the budget for the Public Sector Development Programme by PK450bn to reduce the country's budget deficit.

In addition, water use by the cement industry is coming under closer scrutiny. Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Mian Saqib Nisar, visited the historic Katas Raj temple in Chakwal and its dried-up pond, to inquire about the alleged part played by the nearby cement plant.