Nepal’s Udayapur Cement Industries Ltd (UCIL) is currently facing a crisis regarding consistent power outages, with as many as six reported in a single day. On 31 January the company reported that it produced 104t of clinker compared to its 800tpd capacity.

The power cuts have also resulted in damage to the gears of the cement packing equipment, as a result operations came to a halt for six days between 12-19 January.

"On a daily basis, there can be anywhere between one to six power cuts that can last for mere seconds to as much as 13 hours," said Sanjay Lal Karna, an engineer working with UCIL.

According to UCIL's Accounts Division, the 62 power cuts lasting a total of 23h recorded up until 3 February 2019 has caused the company to lose NPR50m (US$435,476).