India Cements, the largest cement producer by sales in southern India, kept sales stable in the second quarter at US$201 million (US$196 million in the same period last year). In addition, clinker output rose 18% year-on-year to 2.08 million tonnes in the second quarter. Total cement and clinker output increased 11% year-on-year to 2.65 million tonnes.

　　On the profit side, net profit plunged 73% year-on-year to US$2.74 million in the second quarter of 2013, compared with US$10.1 million in the same period last year. Indian cement producers attribute the profit decline mainly to overcapacity in southern India, weak cement demand, falling cement prices, rising energy costs, and depreciation of the rupee (Indian currency) against the US dollar.

　　It is reported that in July 2013, India Cements completed a captive power plant at its Vishnupuram cement plant, which is expected to be put into operation in the autumn of 2013. By then, it may effectively ease part of the company's cost pressure.