Cement firms may invest Rs 1.2 trn to add 145-155 MT capacity by FY27

The continuing demand for housing, accounting for 60-65 per cent of cement demand, and aggressive government investments in infrastructure will drive demand, nudging cement-makers to add 145-155 MT in fresh capacity at an investment of Rs 1.2 lakh crore by FY27, according to a report.

With 570 million tonne (mt) of installed capacity, India is the world's second-largest cement producer after China. Between FY12 and FY23, the installed capacity grew by a whopping 61 per cent to 570 MT from 353 MT in FY12 -- a net addition of 217 MT from 2013 to 2022 -- and FY22 saw the highest capacity addition of 34 MT.

Cement companies are expected to go on an expansion spree, and add 145-155 MT capacity between FY 2023 and 2027. That translates to a 4-5 per cent compound annual growth rate on a high base. A robust 6-7 per cent CAGR expected in demand over these five fiscals will encourage the growth in supply, Crisil said in a note.

The expected 145-155 MT of fresh capacity addition will entail a