Power shortages hamper Nepali cement industry’s recovery

Nepal: Cement producers are unable to fully exploit increased demand following the coronavirus outbreak’s decline due to problems accessing reliable electricity. The Kathmandu Post newspaper has reported that outages and reduced power have stopped production for some companies and led to increased costs. Brij Cement has reportedly resorted to diesel generators, increasing cement’s production costs by US$0.26/bag.

Brij Cement’s general manager Ravi Kumar said, “It is difficult to run a factory without regular electricity supply. And even if there is power supply, it keeps fluctuating, causing problems.”