Displaying items by tag: disruption

The Gambia: The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment (MoTIE) has confirmed that Portland cement is now readily available, and that the market has returned to a stable state after recent disruptions, according to The Voice Gambia newspaper. According to the MoTIE, the shortages resulted from re-negotiations of international supply contracts following the imposition of new US tariffs.

MoTIE confirmed that cement inventories are as follows: Jah Multi Industries holds 54,457t, Salam Cement 59,000t and Gacem 21,000t. Scheduled shipments in June 2025 include 117,600t for Jah Multi Industries on two separate dates, 30,000t for Gacem across two shipments and 38,000t for Salam Cement on 30 June 2025. MoTIE said the government is confident that cement supply will meet market demand without disruption.

Ghana: Cement dealers have raised concerns over a growing shortage of brands including SOL Cement, Empire Cement and Dzata Cement, according to Citi Newsroom. Dealers have cited a scarcity of clinker and rising port charges behind recent supply disruptions and price increases. One cement retailer, Augustine Aduful, said that they paid for cement but have been left out of pocket for two weeks. Ghacem, in particular, has reportedly been facing a shortage, with customers having to switch to alternatives like Diamond Cement.

Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry CEO Emmanuel Cherry said that Ghana cannot continue to rely solely on clinker in cement production and that the country should begin to look for viable alternatives.

Another retailer, Isaac Frimpong, said “The clinker shortage is being caused by overseas supply issues. Even the recent price hikes are tied to external factors. We hope that with government intervention, the situation will stabilise.”

The Gambia: A recent cement shortage in the Greater Banjul Area and West Coast Region has been attributed to delays at the country’s main port, according to Omar Badjie, director of industry at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment. The disruption reportedly stemmed from a backlog at the Banjul port that left a key shipment from cement supplier Jah Oil waiting offshore.

“The issue wasn't production capacity,” Badjie said. “The port was congested, and Jah Oil's vessel had trouble berthing. That put pressure on the two other cement plants, Salam and Gacem, which couldn't meet the market's demand on their own.”

The government expedited a berth for Jah Oil's vessel, which docked last week with 38,000t of cement. However, supply constraints persist, with contractors reporting stalled projects and inflated prices.

Nepal: Hetauda Cement Industry has paused production for nearly three months, with no clear timeline for the return to regular cement production, according to Khabar Hub news. The company has cited a need for repairs to various equipment and the installation of new machinery as the cause.

Basanta Raj Pandey, general manager, said that operations depend on confirmation of a regular 8MW power supply from the Nepal Electricity Authority. Ongoing negotiations with the NEA have reportedly yet to resolve daily power cuts, which have delayed the repairs and installations, which are expected to take several more weeks. The company once produced 18,000 bags/day of cement, but now produces just 10,000 bags/day due to deteriorating equipment. A bidding process for the procurement of 4000t/day of coal has now begun.

UAE: A cement plant in Fujairah has halted operations after a malfunction caused thick smoke to rise from the chimney, according to local news reports. The Fujairah Environment Authority conducted an inspection to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and laws. The plant consequently initiated an immediate shutdown and submitted a plan to repair the malfunction and prevent future issues.

South Korea: The cement industry in South Korea faces rising costs due to a rising won-to-dollar exchange rate following the attempted impeachment of the president, and transportation disruptions from a railroad strike. This is likely to lead to an increase in coal import costs, according to Chosun Biz news.

The ongoing strike by the National Railroad Workers Union has disrupted cement transportation, though stockpiles in metropolitan areas have mitigated immediate effects. However, prolonged strikes could force production halts.

Kim Seung-jun, researcher at capital market company Hana Securities, said “In the fourth quarter, cement production is expected to decrease by 14% compared to the same period in 2023.”

Comoros: Cimentos Comores is considering finding temporary sources of bagged cement after its regular bulk deliveries via the Port of Moroni, Grand Comore, became disrupted. Al-Watwan News has reported that a malfunctioning landing buoy has prevented cargo ships from landing at the port.

Cimentos Comores said “In the absence of a technical solution, we will be forced to cancel the operations.”

Malaysia: A court has granted Associated Pan Malaysia Cement (APMC) the right to evict Buddhist monks from the Gunung Kanthan caves monastery in Hulu Kinta, Perak. The land is part of a site where APMC has leased 146 hectares of land for limestone extraction. New Straits Times News has reported that the producer operates quarries in Zones A and B of the site, but has yet to commence extraction from Zones C and D. Local authorities had previously given assurance that mining operations ‘would not disturb’ the monastery.

Monks from the Thudong tradition established the Gunung Kanthan caves monastery across two caves in Gunung Kanthan hill in the early 20th century. Today, it contains numerous artefacts and works of art.

Nigeria: Cross-industry body Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) recorded a 30% year-on-year drop in all-Nigeria cement sales during the first half of 2023. MAN attributed the decline to the government’s replacement of the naira with a new central bank digital currency. The Punch newspaper has reported that this ‘wiped out’ some cash-based businesses, including cement retailers. Point of sale charges also increased costs along the supply chain. The association said that the impacts of the policy led manufacturers in some sectors to halt their operations.

South Korea: The Korean Railway Workers’ Union called a four-day strike of its 13,000 members across South Korea on 14 September 2023. Reuters has reported that the union is seeking higher pay, improved working conditions and the expansion of bullet train services into South Seoul. The Ministry of Transport predicts that total cargo haulage will drop by 53 - 79%. The Korean Cement Association (KCA) said that a protracted strike would disrupt cement production. The industry is 40% reliant on rail transport.

A representative from a KCA member said “We have secured some inventory in preparation for the strike, but it's not a lot. If the strike lengthens, we will have to convert to land transport, which will drive up costs and hit profitability."