Oman: According to Middle East North Africa Financial Network, Oman Cement has reported a more than 40% decline in net profit for the first six months of 2015. Net profit fell to US$14.1m from US$23.6m a year earlier.

Oman Cement's sales revenue declined marginally to US$65.7m in the first half of 2015 compared with US$66.7m in the corresponding period of 2014. Investment and other income fell sharply by 54.1% to US$4.68m from US$10.2m in 2014. As a result, Oman Cement's total revenue fell by 7.7% US$70.9m.

In June 2015, Oman Cement disclosed that due to operational difficulties it had to prolong the shutdown of one of its kilns. The kiln, with 4000t/day clinker production capacity, was closed for planned maintenance, which was to be completed in early June 2015. Oman Cement warned that the prolonged shutdown of a kiln would have an impact on its second-quarter performance.

Oman Cement's total expenses rose by 8.2% to US$55.3m in the first six months of 2015 compared to US$51.2m in the same period of 2014. The Ministry of Oil and Gas had increased the price of natural gas supplied to industrial companies by 100% from 1 January 2015. As such, Oman Cement's gas price was hiked from US$1.5/mmbtu to US$3/mmbtu. The company expects its gas costs to rise by an estimated US$17.2m in 2015.