Cement Prices to Rise by End-March Amid Soaring Crude Costs: Nuvama Report

• Cement prices are projected to increase by late March or early April 2026 due to rising crude-linked input costs, according to a Nuvama report.
• Dealers anticipate price hikes to offset the impact of increasing pet coke prices and higher packaging costs.
• Cement companies implemented price hikes in the non-trade segment in early February 2026, which were later rolled back in some regions.
• Despite recent softness, the demand outlook for the cement sector remains positive, with healthy demand expected in Q4FY26E.
• Government capital expenditure moderated in January 2026, while real estate volumes showed weakness, impacting cement demand.